Matthew 2:1-12

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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Fairfax and Centreville, VA.
(Dec 0708)

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Primary texts about the Herod's Reign of Terror from (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Of David's Lineage," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • King Herod and Slaughter of the Innocents: New Testament Parallels to the Works of Josephus. From G.J. Goldberg's Flavius Josephus Home Page. (Some of these "parallels" are speculative.)
  • III.IX.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter IX, Chapter XIII, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
  • Chapter IX, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter II, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • I.LI, I.LVIII-LXI, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Chrysostom (c. 380)
    • Homily VI - Matthew 2:1-2
    • Homily VII - Matthew 2:4-5
    • Homily VIII - Matthew 2:2
  • Sermon XXXI, Sermon XXXIII, Sermon XXXIV, and Sermon XXXVI On the Feast of the Epiphany by Leo the Great (400-461).
  • A Sermon for the Epiphany, Matthew 2:1-12, Martin Luther, c. 1522.
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 2:1-6, Matthew 2:7-12.
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "[Herod] Was much moved, for he was a foreigner, and became ruler by force; and the Jews were troubled; for wickedness is mad and raging."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Wise men - The first fruits of the Gentiles. Probably they were Gentile philosophers, who, through the Divine assistance, had improved their knowledge of nature, as a means of leading to the knowledge of the one true God. Nor is it unreasonable to suppose, that God had favoured them with some extraordinary revelations of himself, as he did Melchisedec, Job, and several others, who were not of the family of Abraham; to which he never intended absolutely to confine his favours. The title given them in the original was anciently given to all philosophers, or men of learning; those particularly who were curious in examining the works of nature, and observing the motions of the heavenly bodies."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "That the gold was presented to the infant King in token of His royalty; the frankincense in token of His divinity, and the myrrh, of His sufferings; or that they were designed to express His divine and human natures; or that the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ are to be seen in these gifts; or that they were the offerings of three individuals respectively, each of them kings, the very names of whom tradition has handed down--all these are, at the best, precarious suppositions."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "The providence of God is seen in these gifts. It provided the means necessary for the flight to Egypt that was to follow at once, and to sustain the holy family in a foreign land."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:1-12, Mark Allan Powell, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
    • "The story of the magi foreshadows later developments in Matthew's narrative. Even in infancy Jesus inspires both worship and hostility, responses that are repeated throughout the story."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:1-12; Galatians 3:23-38, Regina Langley, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
    • "The epiphany of Christ and our baptism in him is the death-nail on the head of a death-dealing kingdom and the ushering in of a new kingdom."
  • "Disturbing Tourists," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "The mystical magi are knocking on the door.  They speak of stars and destiny, and shepherd kings who can lead us to God. Will we allow them to disturb us enough that we might join their caravan of change?"
  • "They Seek - and they find - Wisdom," Jeremiah Bartram, Gospel for Gays, 2010.
    • "Herod was afraid of him, unnecessarily.  Herod – violent and vengeful – was afraid of truth."
  • "Halo Effect," James Alison, The Christian Century, 2008.
    • "Our paintings capture the scene and back up the face of the baby with an aura, a halo. But will the Magi have seen a halo? Will anyone have noticed anything slightly shining about their faces, upon which the radiance has shone?"
  • "Pagan Magi and Power Politics: The 'Disclosure' of Epiphany," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
    • "All these Herods do the opposite of the magi; they work hard to make the subversive kingdom of Jesus subservient to the political power of the state. But these Herods, whether ancient or modern, are right about one thing; if Jesus is Lord, then Caesar is decidedly not lord."
  • "First Thoughts on Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Epiphany," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "The more immediate allusion, however, is to the prophecy of Balaam, who refused to cower to the murderous intentions of the evil king Balak towards Israel, prophesying instead that a star would arise from Jacob, a sceptre from Israel (Numbers 24:17; a passage applied messianically also in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)."
  • "The Wisemen," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • "Seeking," Listening to the Text, Engaging the Text, and Preaching the Text, Dr. Dwight Gunter, Preacher's Magazine, 2007.
    • "This story calls for a response on our part. Therefore, the message pointed to our choices."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "I think that this text raises two very important questions for us today: 'Where are the unchurched at today?' And 'What signs will speak to them?'"
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew 2:1-12, David Ewart.
    • "In Mathew - who emphasizes how Jesus is a fulfillment of the Scriptures - it is gentiles (i.e., non-Jews) from the East who are the first to worship Jesus at his birth. Matthew does not show this as fulfilling any scripture."
  • "The Epiphany of Our Lord: Matthew 2:1-12," Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany, Carol Mork, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1989.
  • Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Off By Nine Miles," Walter Brueggemann, The Christian Century, 2001.
    • "Matthew is not the first one to imagine three rich wise guys from the East coming to Jerusalem. His story line and plot come from Isaiah 60, a poem recited to Jews in Jerusalem about 580 B.C.E."
  • "Wise Men Worship the King," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "Although the visit of the Magi images the Moses story, it primarily serves to demonstrate the fulfilment of scripture in Jesus' birth."
  • "Seek the Lord," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever felt called to find an answer or go on a quest? What happened?"
  • "Least among Leaders," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "The exact Hebrew translation of this phrase, 'least among leaders,' would read something like; 'God will give His most to your least.'  Would our contemporary culture understand that statement; trapped as we are in the accoutrements of power?"
  • "Pope John Paul II and Prayer," Epiphany, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian Meditation. Claretian Publications.
    • "The believer is often incapable of puzzling out God's plans and seeing his hand behind painful human history."
  • "The Highest Knowledge," Ronald Goetz, The Christian Century, 1983. At Religion Online.
    • "What may have embarrassed the wise men were the implications they were driven as logicians to draw from their recognition of the divinity of the child."
  • "The Babe and the Babes of Bethlehem," James T. Dennison Jr., in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "But beyond the pathos of infant death, Matthew focuses on the life of an infant-- an infant spared (at least for a time) from the point of sword or spear. The life of one babe predominates and that life finds itself inseparably meshed with the story of Israel."
  • "An Unexpected and Hidden Glory," Charles G. Dennison, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "When Hezekiah, king of the Jews, was delivered from a fatal illness, Merodach-baladan of Babylon sent emissaries with gifts. We could safely judge them less than honorable. Didn't they really come for political reasons? for a treaty perhaps designed to harass the Assyrians? Was there an element of intrigue? Did they wish to "spy out the land?" Hezekiah, victim of messianic delusion, parades before them the wealth of his house, just the stuff to attract the Babylonian eye. One hundred years later, according to the Lord's judgment, the Babylonians returned to cart off the treasures of David's house (cf. Isa. 39)."
  • "Balaam, The Magi, and Herod," Stuart Jones, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "Examining the text more closely, we notice that the exposition of Micah, pointing to Bethlehem as Messiah's birthplace, is not related to the Magi by the expected source, viz., the scribes. It is rather Herod, informed by the Jewish leaders, who transmits this information in secret. Again we have some sermon points that are possible. God requires that we consult special revelation to find the Christ, but he is not limited in how that revelation can be delivered. His sovereign power means he can make his enemies prophetic voices for the truth. Though this sounds like a pious addendum which does not constitute the central theme of the chapter, it is an observation with a striking similarity to the Balaam situation in Numbers 22-24."
  • "A Strange Visit," Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
    • "The passage for today inspires me to keep an attitude of wonder alive in everything I do--whether it is in conversation with someone or directing my eyes to the heavens."
  • Environmental & earth-centered reflections, Rev Wanda Copeland, from the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
    • "In what ways does nature still acknowledge Jesusą birth?  In the lengthening of days (coming of the light from the darkness, warming of the earth for those in the Northern Hemisphere.)  The signs of welcome and rejoicing are many, if we but take the time to look."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Biblical Magi," wikipedia.
  • "Wise Woman Bearing Gifts," Letty M. Russell, Cross Currents, Spring 2003.
    • "This imperial model for the church going out to all the nations is disturbing to us as we see how it has been used and abused by both the Christian churches and the countries of the North."
  • The Wise Men and the Star of Christ, a multi-page historical/theological site by Rev. Phil Greetham.
  • "Dreams and Christian Growth," Philip St. Romain, Spirituality Today, Summer 1984.
    • "Through the symbols produced in our dreams by the unconscious dimension of our persons, the Spirit of God can reveal ways of living that impede or foster Christian discipleship."
  • Herod the Great, basic background from Wayne Blank's Daily Bible Study.
  • "Star of Wonder," Mary Barron, National Catholic Reporter, 2002.
  • "The Star of Bethlehem," Martin Gardner, Skeptical Inquirer, 1999.
  • "Further Thoughts on the Star of Bethlehem," Phillips Stevens, Jr., Skeptical Inquirer, 2000.
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  • Agourides, Savas, "The Birth of Jesus and the Herodian Dynasty: An Understanding of Matthew, Chapter 2," Greek Orthodox Theological Review, 1992.
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  • Bauer, David R., "The Kingship of Jesus in the Matthean Infancy Narrative: A Literary Analysis," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1995.
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  • Bertram, Robert W., "An Epiphany Crossing -- Programming Matthew 2:1-12 for Readers Today," Currents in Theology and Mission, 1980.
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  • Brueggemann, Walter, "Off by Nine Miles," The Christian Century, 2001.
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  • Bruns, J. Edgar, "The Magi in Episode in Matthew 2," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1961.
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  • Carlson, Richard, "Reading and Interpreting Matthew from the Beginning," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
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  • Carter, Warren, "Matthew's Gospel: An Anti-Imperial/Imperial Reading," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
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  • Davis, Charles Thomas, "Tradition and Redaction in Matthew 1:18-2:23," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1971.
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  • Davis, D. Mark, "Between Text and Sermon: Matthew 2:1-12," Interpretation, 2003. (See also, "Evil," issue focus, Interpretation, 2003.)
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  • El-Amin, Imam Plemon, "The Birth of Jesus in the Qur'an," Review & Expositor, 2007.
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  • Enuwosa, Joseph, "African Cultural Hermeneutics: Interpreting the New Testament in a Cultural Context," Black Theology, 2005.
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  • "Following the Star," collection of quotations, Christianity Today, 2004.
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  • Gnuse, Robert, "Dream Genre in the Matthean Infancy Narratives," Novum Testamentum, 1990.
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  • Goetz, Ronald, "The Highest Knowledge," The Christian Century, 1983.
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  • Heater, Homer, Jr., "Matthew 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1983.
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  • Hockenbery, Jennifer, "The Gift of the Magi, Intercultural Conversation and Understanding, A Philosophical Meditation on Epiphany," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2008.
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  • Housley, Kathleen L., "The Magi," The Christian Century, 2001. Poetry.
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  • Lerch, Marilyn E., "Kneeling at the Feet of the Wise One," Brethren Life and Thought, 2005. Sermon.
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  • Maalouf, Tony T., "Were the Magi from Persia or Arabia?" Bibliotheca Sacra, 1999.
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  • McClaren, James S., "Jews and the Imperial Cult: From Augustus to Domitian," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
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  • McGovern, Robert, "The Magi," The Christian Century, 1994. Poetry.
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  • Mork, Carol, "Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany," Word & World, 1989.
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  • Nolland, John, "The Sources for Matthew 2:1-12," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1998.
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  • O'Driscoll, Herbert, "Kingly Presence," The Christian Century, 2003.
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  • O'Kane, Martin, "The Artist as Reader of the Bible: Visual Exegesis and the Adoration of the Magi," Biblical Interpretation, 2005.
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  • Petrotta, A.J., "A Closer Look at Matt 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources,"
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    and "An Even Closer Look at Matt 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1985 and 1990.
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  • Phipps, William E., "The Magi and Halley's Comet," Theology Today, 1986.
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  • Powell, Mark Allan, "Echoes of Jonah in the New Testament," Word & World, 2007.
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  • Powell, Mark Allan, "The Magi as Kings: An Adventure in Reader-Response Criticism," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2000.
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  • Russell, Letty M., "Wise Woman Bearing Gifts," Cross Currents, 2003.
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  • Sappenfield, William J., "Known Beyond the Borders: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for January," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
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  • Scott, Bernard Brandon, "The Birth of the Reader," Semeia, 1991.
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  • Senior, Donald, C.P., "Expository Article: Matthew 2:1-12," Interpretation, 1992.
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  • Slemmons, Timothy M., "Matthew 2:1-12," Theology Today, 2002. Poetry.
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  • van Beek, Gus W., "Frankincense and Myrrh," Biblical Archaeologist, 1960.
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  • Via, Dan O., Jr., "Narrative World and Ethical Response: The Marvelous and Righteousness in Matthew 1-2," Semeia, 1978.
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  • Vinson, Richard, "'King of the Jews': Kingship and Anti-Kingship Rhetoric in Matthew's Birth, Baptism, and Transfiguration Narratives," Review & Expositor, 2007.
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  • Weaver, Dorothy Jean, "Rewriting the Messianic Script: Matthew's Account of the Birth of Jesus," Interpretation, 2000.
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  • Young, Robert D., "Matthew's Christmas Allegory," Journal for Preachers, 2003.
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• Reviews:
  • Aus, Roger David, Matthew 1-2 and the Virginal Conception: In Light of Palestinian and Hellenistic Traditions on the Birth of Israel's First Redeemer, Moses. University Press of America, 2004. Review by Wayne Meeks, Review of Biblical Literature, 2006.
• Sermons:
  • "The Main Thing," the Rev. Randy Calvo, Day 1, 2008.
  • "Seeking," Dr. Dwight Gunter, Preacher's Magazine, 2007.
  • "What Our Gifts Say About Us," Steven Molin, Lectionary.org.
  • Epiphany - 6 January 2006, James Mueller, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Come Home," the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Day 1, 2002.
  • "The Gift of the Magi," the Rev. Mark Sargent, Day 1.
  • "Another Way Home," the Very Rev. Harry H. Pritchett, Day 1, 1996.
  • "Grace," the Rev. Dr. Douglas Oldenbug, Day 1, 1996.
  • "Free and Priceless," John Jewell, 1999.
  • "Discovering Your Own Gifts for the Christchild," "Exploding Light," "Shooting Stars," "Where Did Christmas Go?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist" Commentary and Homily:
    • Epiphany, 2008
    • Epiphany, 2007
    • Epiphany, 2006
    • Epiphany, 2002
    • Epiphany, 2000
    • Epiphany, 1999
    • Epiphany, 1996
• With Children:
  • The Bible and Epiphany: The Wise Men and the Baptism of Jesus, crossword puzzle, Bruce Gillette.
  • "The Three Wisemen," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Sweet Christmas!" Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "Wise Men Come from the East to Worship Jesus," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Wise Men Worship Jesus," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "The Wise Men," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • Wise Men Search for Jesus, sermons4kids.com.
  • "Figures of Faith: A Series of Children's Messages for Advent," Laura Venhuizen, Reformed Worship.
  • The Christmas Story Crossword Puzzle, downloadable and interactive online, based on the NRSV Christmas stories from Matthew and Luke. Bruce Gillette, Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DE.
• Drama:
  • "A Feast with the Shepherds," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Angel Delight," Michael English, Milton Parish Church Drama Resources.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:2 #2, Matthew 2:11, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Epiphany, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Matthew 2:1-12, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings: Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:2, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
  • Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • God's GPS, Gold, Franken? and Myrrh, Reverend Fun Cartoon, gospelcom.net. Check for printing permissions at right-hand side of destination page.
• Poetry, Literature and Literary Reference:
  • "Epiphany" Robert W Jenson, Theology Today, 2004.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Matthew 2:1, 2, 9. 10, 11. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymn Selections, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • The First Noel
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Nativity
  • Magi
  • Madonna and Child/Holy Family
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Incarnation
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew