When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. (Luke 2:39-40)
In the late 1990’s at a Rebecca St. James concert, Rebecca told her story of humble beginnings in Australia. She was poor and hungry and prayed for food. Later that day a food truck broke down outside her home, and the driver gave them bread. She learned to depend on God.
Joseph and Mary were faithful, doing everything required by the Law. They returned to Nazareth. We learned they were poor because of the type of offering they made. Since Joseph and Mary depended on God, is it possible they prayed for necessities for Jesus? Did God send the Magi in response to their prayers? Tradition tells us the Magi were part of the manger scene. But the Gospel of Matthew tells us that Mary was in her home when the Magi arrived and that King Herod, who wanted Jesus dead, demanded that all boys two and under be slain. That meant Jesus was probably between one and two years old when the Star led the Magi to Jesus. The Three Kings brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh taking Mary, Joseph, and their family out of poverty.
Jesus was fully man, yet fully part of the trinity. He was with God in the beginning, always having God’s wisdom and grace. He didn’t lose God’s wisdom and grace when the Holy Spirit implanted Him into Mary’s womb. After his birth, He revealed them to mankind.
Jesus grew and became strong because He depended on God and didn’t live in poverty.
I am learning to depend on God more and more. I always had to be the one in control and I could handle whatever was thrown my way. I was always so nervous and anxious. Now I know who is in control and to give my problems to Him. I am trying to pray about everything, my family, my friends and hardest of all, my enemies. I had no idea that the Three Kings did not arrive until Jesus was between 1 and 2 years old. What about the Epiphany where the Magi arrive to see the Christ Child?
Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day is celebrated on January 6. It is possible, maybe even likely, that was the day the Three Kings (Magi) visited Jesus because that festival has been celebrated since the second century, before Christmas was celebrated on December 25th. It is more likely, however, that Jesus was one year and not a newborn. I am so thrilled that you are seeking God as a refuge. He will take on your problems and answer your prayers.