The People: Herod, The Religious, The Magi
Week 2: The People of Advent
Read: Matthew 2
This week on Creative Thinking, we’re continuing our Advent journey, from the places of the story to the people who bring its pages to life.
In Matthew 2, we meet a restless king, wandering magi, and people who almost missed the miracle happening right in front of them. Advent encourages us to think about our own lives. It asks us to give up control for trust, distance for worship, and restlessness for peace.
Herod, the Religious and the Magi
“The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight. We call it peace, but it means far more than peace of mind or a cease-fire among enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight… in other words, the way things ought to be.”
Cornelius Plantinga
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
1. Herod: The Restless King
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Augustine
2. The Magi: The Seekers Who Found
3. The People Who Missed and the People Who Found
- This, too, is the geography of the soul. Advent invites us to seek this Jesus. To exchange control for trust, distance for worship.
- Plantinga’s vision of shalom: “the way things ought to be”
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
The Carol: Angels We Have Heard on High
Words by: James Chadwick
Music by: Charles Hutchins, Edward Shippen Barnes
Find Sheet Music Here
