Jehovah’s witness, Did Mary & Joseph accept the Gold,Frankincense and myrrh from the "Astrologers" ?
What did the Gifts signify ?
Gold
Frankincense
Myrrh
Kingship
Priesthood
Death
It took roughly a millenium and a half for Christianity to embrace these kinds of scientific studies. Just imagine how enlightened Mary and Joseph really were to invite in and accept these kinds of gifts from the magi. Somehow the JWs of the Org just don’t get it, their minds are all fogged up with Watchtower rhetorics! They were even told to believe the child Jesus was already 2 years old, this coming from what Herod said in Matthew 2:16, when he ordered the killing of all children 2 years old OR UNDER! If Jesus was 2 years old then what is the point for killing those who are under 2 years old? The JWs of the Org will not look into this matter, they lack any clear judgment in seeing the blatant lies behind their false organization!
December 19th, 2009 at 2:28 am
The gifts signified nothing but appreciation.
When you are invited to your friend’s house for supper, you might bring something, maybe a bottle of wine, or flowers.
Same thing here.
Did Mary & Joseph accept?
Bible remains mute on that point.
We only know it was offered.
References :
December 19th, 2009 at 2:37 am
The Astrologers
Matthew’s account mentions that astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem looking for the place where the King of the Jews was born. King Herod was very interested in this—but not with good intentions. "Sending them to Bethlehem, he said: ‘Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found it report back to me, that I too may go and do it obeisance.’" The astrologers found the young child and "opened their treasures and presented it with gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." But they did not go back to Herod. "They were given divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod." God used an angel to warn Joseph of Herod’s intentions. Joseph and Mary then fled to Egypt with their son. Next, in an effort to eliminate the new King, cruel King Herod ordered the killing of boys in the Bethlehem area. Which boys? Those two years of age and under.—Matthew 2:1-16.
What Can We Learn From the Account?
The visiting astrologers—however many of them there were—did not worship the true God. The Bible version La Nueva Biblia Latinoamérica (1989 Edition) states in a footnote: "The Magi were not kings, but fortune-tellers and priests of a pagan religion." They came in line with their knowledge of the stars to which they were devoted. Had God wanted to guide them to the young child, they would have been led to the exact place without needing to go first to Jerusalem and to Herod’s palace. Later on, God did intervene to alter their course to protect the child.
At Christmastime this account is often surrounded by a mythical and romantic atmosphere that obscures the most important thing: that this baby was born to be a magnificent King, as was announced to Mary and to the shepherds. No, Jesus Christ is not a baby anymore, or even a child. He is the ruling King of God’s Kingdom, which very soon will eliminate all rulerships opposed to God’s will, and he will solve all problems of mankind. That is the Kingdom we ask for in the Lord’s Prayer.—Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10.
Through the angels’ declaration to the shepherds, we learn that the opportunity for salvation is open to all who are willing to hear the message of the good news. Those who gain the favor of God become "men of goodwill." There are marvelous prospects for peace in all the world under the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but people must be willing to do God’s will. Is the Christmas season conducive to this, and does it reflect that desire? Many sincere people who want to follow the Bible feel that the answer is obvious.—Luke 2:10, 11, 14.
if you have any more questions, feel free to email me
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