No event in history was so great yet so humble. (Matthew 2, Luke 2)

Matthew

2:2

Why were there only three wise men who were seeking Jesus? Only three noticed the star? Or were there only three who were willing to travel to the star? I don't know but these three were convinced enough to travel great distance and ask, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

I think it's one thing to recognize a sign but another to go to great effort to respond to that sign. We are going to see many signs of the times in coming years. Will we see them clearly and how will we respond to the signs?

2:3

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." I understand why Herod was troubled. He was hearing about someone else becoming King of the Jews. But why was Jerusalem troubled? This was the coming Messiah - why would they be concerned?

As Jerusalem was the capital of Israel, the church leaders may have also been threatened. This is hard to believe but may have been true. In the current situation, they were the head of the church. They were the source of authority. They loved the status quo. A King of the Jews may disrupt their structure that was providing wealth and power.

I do know that change is coming for all of us. We can be like the wise men or we can be Herod. We can accept change and celebrate good changes - even if they disrupt our lives. Or, we take issue with any change and allow it to sidetrack our testimonies. Let's be wise men and women.

2:7

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared." Of course Herod doesn't want to make a big deal about the prophesied King of the Jews. He wants the whole topic to go silent. So, he calls for them privily.

If we are ever doing something that we don't want the world to know, we should take a hard look at that thing.

2:11

How many of us would worship a toddler? "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." They didn't just present gifts and speak words, they fell down and worshipped. They knelt before a child. Not about what he had accomplished but who he was and what he was going to do.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I think God sees us this same way. He doesn't simply see who we are based on what we've accomplished in this mortal journey. He knows us from past millennia in his presence. He already knows what we will accomplish. He knows all of the good choices that we will make in the future. It's comforting to me that God sees me through this lens - not just simply based on the latest mistake that I've made.

2:14, 21

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to flee to Egypt. When did he follow that direction? "When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt." He didn't give it time to consider the pros and cons. He didn't wait to talk himself out of it. He just acted.

Later, he was told by an Angel to return to the land of Israel. How did he respond? "And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel." I love how quickly he responds. We can learn from the obedience and eagerness to follow direction from Joseph. Imagine how he would watch General Conference!

I've tried to put myself in his shoes. He had no idea what to expect. He probably had plans for his life when he was asked to leave for Egypt. He likely didn't have an idea about how to live in Egypt. Where would he live, how would he provide? As he was getting settled I'm sure, he's asked to leave Egypt. Again, consider how that would upend your life to suddenly move! Joseph was a faithful, obedient person. No wonder that he was chosen to be the 'father' of the Son of God.

2:16

How do you feel when someone cheats or mocks or lies to you? Do you immediately forgive or do you consider opportunities to settle the score? We all have such a strong sense of fairness, we want the scales balanced. When someone offends us, the natural man wants to offend.

Herod had this issue to the extreme. He was upset that the wise men went home another way. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." He murdered children who were born about the same time as Jesus. He was offended and reacted with vengeance.

We must NOT follow the example of Herod. We cannot give in to the desire to punish those who offend us. None of us will react with such violence as Herod, but we often react poorly when we feel "mocked." Whether that's an unkind word from a family member to a stranger in a store. To rise above this and not simply react according to our base instincts is part of what it means to be Christlike.

Luke

2:10-11

What's the best news you could receive today? Would it be:

• A job promotion?

• Becoming pregnant?

• Cancer remission?

The angel delivered the best kind of news. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." This is the best newsflash ever delivered.

First of all, not much good news impacts "all people." Good news often comes to a small group: a family, a company, a person. This news was for all. Every soul should have considered this good news.

Knowing that the Savior was coming would have been the best news possible. I imagine that for much of Israel, it would have been exciting because they mistakenly thought it would be a liberation from Israel. For those who knew the gospel and understood the meaning of the many prophecies about Christ, they would understand that it meant salvation from Sin.

When anyone first realizes that they will not be condemned for the many mistakes that each of us has made, it is good tidings. To understand that, because of Christ, our bodies will be renewed and we will be able to continue to progress to become like Heavenly Father - should help us feel joy constantly. No harm or evil of this world can transcend the atonement. That's good news.

2:12

What an unexpected sign the angel gives the shepherds. "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." You'd think the sign would be something grand. Many would expect that the Savior would be found on a throne with music playing and a laser show or something.

The sign of being in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes should have been a good indication of what his life was going to be. This royal Son of the Highest was going to experience the drudgery of life. He wasn't going to be spared any of the hardships that accompany mortality.

2:14

A multitude of angels made an appearance. They said one sentence: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." I have always understood the 'peace on earth' part but am a little confused about the goodwill part.

• Peace on earth. The way to know peace in this life is to be obedient and faithful and know that you are already saved. Without knowing about the atonement of Jesus Christ, all of the mortal trials and travails would be more disheartening and overwhelming and appear permanent. Our destinies would be failing health and eventual death. It would be hard to feel peace knowing that was the future for all of us. Christ's arrival meant that ALL of our futures would be bright. This gives me peace.

• Good will toward men. To me, this one has to do with loving and serving others. Along with being obedient and enjoying the accompanying peace that comes with that, we must also develop good will towards men. We also have the charge of becoming selfless. I think two things go hand in hand. As we feel the joy that comes from following God, we naturally feel good will towards His children. We cannot built a relationship with God and NOT feel love for each other. To love God and hate men is to misunderstand the whole concept. I must remind myself of that when I am in traffic.

2:15-16

We find another example of immediate obedience in the shepherds. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." There was no delay in their faith. "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

We can learn from their faith and desire to follow-through immediately.

2:19

The shepherds "made known abroad" about Jesus being born. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Why did she keep these things to herself? I think many of us hesitate to share a very spriritual event. Some things are too sacred to share. She was so humble, she wouldn't want to stand out by sharing her cool, amazing story about being the mother of the Son of God. Imagine how you could out-story someone at any party! She didn't care about public recognition for what she was a part of.

What does it mean to ponder in your heart? I usually ponder something in my head. Perhaps she repeatedly worked through the feelings and emotions connected with those events. I'm sure she reflected on that time often and it was a source of strength for her.

It appears that fame and fortune didn't follow what was announced. It appears that he became basically unknown. Their life was likely kinda normal and filled with the stresses and drudgery that we all experience. This is even more reason to respect Mary and Joseph. They weren't saying, "You ought to give me this house for free since Jesus is the Messiah."

2:22, 24

Mary and Joseph were obedient. Not only to direction from angels but to the tenants of the law of Moses. "And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord...and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord." Of course Jesus' earthly parents were followers of the gospel.

2:25

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him." Waiting for the consolation of Israel is waiting for the Messiah. Christ was the great consoler. Who could console each of us like Christ. I mean this literally as he is the one who succors us. Also, his mission offers consolation to any who are suffering - physically or spiritually. All bad things will come to an end eventually - how much consolation does that offer?

Simeon had been told by the Holy Ghost that "he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." So he was there waiting.

Also, he was "just and devout." To truly wait for Christ to come involves obedience. To be rebellious and disobedient isn't truly waiting for Christ.

2:30, 32

Simeon knew the mission of Jesus Christ better than most. "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation." He understood that Christ's purpose was the salvation of all people. I don't think he was expecting Christ to liberate them from Rome.

For us to truly understand Christ's mission is important. We must strive to fully understand Christ's purpose and how it relates directly to us. We should keep our lives constantly in perspective through the lens of Christ's atonement. I think it will take a lifetime for me to understand a sliver of the atonement!

He knew that Christ would be "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." It's interesting that a devout Jew's first thought would be to the Gentiles. Simeon wasn't racist. He did see that the Gentiles were ignorant regarding the coming Messiah. He knew that Christ would be a light that would attract all men and women to Him.

I'd like to someday be considered a light to lighten the Gentiles. I'm working on it.

2:34-35

• "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." These are interesting words spoken by Simeon to Mary. Let's look at each point:

• This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. There are many who condemn themselves in rejecting Christ. By rejecting Him, they are at a disadvantage. They are not on the path. They will not understand or appreciate Christ's atonement. They can't enjoy the good news of Christ's gospel. Without Christ, we fall. On the other hand, through Christ, we may rise. We can become more. Following Christ's teachings puts us on a path of progression upward.

• ...and for a sign which shall be spoken against. How was Christ spoken against? He was verbally rejected by his contemporaries. Throughout history, he has been a center of disagreement. His name is used as an expletive.

• Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. Mary will suffer as she witnesses Christ suffer. She was with him at the end upon the cross. The sword that pierced Christ also pierced her soul as his mother.

• The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Living the gospel allows us to see the thoughts and hearts of others. We can visually see those who are truly converted and those who are going through the motions. Every one of us will have an opportunity to demonstrate our faith. We cannot progress through life faking it as disciples of Christ. Eventually, our real selves is revealed.

3:37

Anna lived an impressive life. "And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." How much faith and commitment does it take to not actually leave the temple. Many of us don't have the opportunity to do what she did. But, if I did have that opportunity, would I? No I wouldn't. There's a difference between Anna and me in our commitment to temple work.

2:40

"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." I heard recently about the old-fashioned process of making wax candles. They basically take a string and dip it in hot wax, let it cool and dip it again. I picture Jesus developing like this. He wasn't born with all of the strength and wisdom that he would possess during his ministry. He had to learn line by line. That gives me comfort that I don't need to be perfect today.

Having said that, I'm sure he was the most intelligent, caring, empathetic, industrious, kind person ever to live. He was filled with wisdom. The thing about being filled with wisdom is you have to be open to receive that wisdom. He was clearly open. He received all of the gifts of the Spirit. God was with him.

It's interesting to note that, even Christ, needed God's grace - just like we all do.

2:46-47

"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." It's interesting that it doesn't sound like Christ was delivering an amazing speech. He was listening and asking questions. How is this an example for all of us? To be curious is a blessing. Christ was teachable and wanted to learn from the doctors. He was open. It was part of him progressing line by line.

He obviously demonstrated that he knew the concepts about which he was asking. I'm sure he responded, corrected, expanded what they are were saying - enough that they were all astonished.

It's a good example for us to take advantage of our time with others in asking good questions and truly listening. Christ wasn't doing small talk with these people. He was making his time with them meaningful. Can we do the same with those we interact with?

Note: The JST version of 2:46 reads: "And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, and they were hearing him, and asking him questions." I believe this translation is inspired. However, I still like my point about the KJV.

2:48-51

It appears that Joseph and Mary didn't quite get the concept. "And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." I assume that the family wasn't receiving holy angels as visitors often. His childhood much have been fairly regular as it allowed them to forget who his real father was.

I think it also points to how Joseph must have been very active in raising Jesus. He was giving him instruction and correction. He was assigning chores and making cuts and scrapes feel better. He was providing for his family and viewed Jesus as his son in every way. That's good. I'm glad that they didn't have some weird 'stepdad' kind of thing going.

Christ hadn't forgotten. "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" Christ knew that his father was Heavenly Father. I also love how Christ was so good at questions. These are his earliest recorded words and they are two questions that helped his parents understand. He didn't lecture them. He, instead, asked them two questions that helped them think through what they were thinking. It's a pattern of developing others that would continue throughout his mortal life.

Again, they didn't seem to get it. "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." It's likely that they went ahead and continued treating him as if he was the natural born son of Joseph.

What's interesting is that Christ "was subject unto them." That shows a humility and willingness to submit to those who 'were in authority' over him. Christ could have pulled rank at any time but, instead, submitted. It points to his unique character. He had perfect humility for a perfectly superior being.

2:52

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Jesus steered his development. As he grew physically, his wisdom increased. I'm sure that he put a lot of effort in developing wisdom. I don't think it was just from taking direction from his father the carpenter. I'm sure he studied a lot and learned at every opportunity from those who temporarily knew more than he did.

It's interesting that he increased "in favour with God and man." His faithfulness and righteousness gained God's favor. It's fun to imagine how he gained favor with those around him. I'm sure he was an honest, helpful person who was a strength and good example to everyone around him. People, no doubt, saw the light that was in him. Certainly, the Spirit was with him at all times and others would be drawn to that.

I think this may also indicate that he was fun to be around. I'm sure he played and was interesting to be around. Other were benefiting from his presence. I'd love to have known him as a teenager.