A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

After Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea, during the reign of Herod the ruler, astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring, “Where is the newborn ruler of the Jews?  We

observed his star at its rising and have come to pay homage.”  At this news, Herod became greatly disturbed, and all Jerusalem as well.  Summoning all of the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they informed him.  “Here is what the prophet has written,

     ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

     are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,

     since from you will come a ruler

     who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ “

Herod called the astrologers aside and found out from them the exact time of the star’s appearance.  Then he sent them to Bethlehem, after having instructed them, “Go and get detailed

information about the child.  When you have found him, report it to me so that I may go and offer homage too.”  After their audience with the ruler, they set out.  The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was.  They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and upon entering the house, found the child with Mary, his mother.

They prostrated themselves and did homage.  Then they opened their coffers and presented the child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went back to their own country by

another route.

The Good News as spoken through Matthew.