The third week of Advent traditionally centers on the theme of joy and peace, often symbolized by the lighting of the pink candle in the Advent wreath. This joy is deeply connected with the anticipation of Christ's birth and the fulfillment of God's promises. Matthew 2 offers a narrative replete with themes of joy and peace, centered around the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that follow.
Matthew 2
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This chapter deals with the events immediately following Jesus' birth, including the visit of the Magi, Herod's fearful reaction, and the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.
"1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son." 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more." 19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene." Matthew 2: (ESV)
Literary Structure and Key Themes
Matthew 2 can be divided into several sections, each contributing to the overarching themes of joy and peace:
Verses 1-12: The Visit of the Magi
The Magi, wise men from the East, arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn king of the Jews, having seen his star. Their journey culminates in finding Jesus, whereupon they worship him and offer gifts. This scene is marked by a profound sense of joy and adoration.
Verses 13-18: The Flight to Egypt and Massacre of the Innocents
These verses narrate the escape of the Holy Family to Egypt, prompted by a divine warning of Herod's intent to kill the child. Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem is a tragic counterpoint to the joy of the Magi's visit, highlighting the stark contrast between the peace of Christ and the turmoil of the world.
Verses 19-23: The Return to Nazareth
The chapter concludes with the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth, again in fulfillment of prophetic words.
Theological Implications
Matthew 2 presents a multifaceted view of joy and peace. The joy of the Magi in finding Jesus contrasts with the turmoil and fear incited by Herod. This juxtaposition highlights a central Christian belief: true joy and peace are found in Christ, even amidst a world of conflict and fear. The narrative underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, emphasizing Jesus as the anticipated Messiah who brings peace.
Embracing Joy in the Midst of Turmoil
The Advent season invites believers to find joy and peace in the birth of Christ, despite the often chaotic and troubled state of the world. The story of the Magi reminds us that joy is a journey, often requiring persistence and faith.
Reflection on the Cost of Peace
The events of Matthew 2 also invite reflection on the cost of peace. Herod's actions starkly remind us that the coming of Christ into the world was not without opposition and suffering. This challenges believers to consider the depth and complexity of the peace that Christ brings.
Anticipating the Fulfillment of God's Promises
The fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 2 reinforces the Advent theme of anticipation. Believers are called to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, finding joy and peace in this hope.
Conclusion
Matthew 2, with its intricate interplay of joy and turmoil, offers a profound reflection for the third week of Advent. The narrative invites believers to a deeper understanding of the joy and peace found in Christ, encouraging them to persist in their journey of faith even amidst challenges. This chapter ultimately underscores the transformative power of Christ's birth, a source of enduring joy and peace for all who embrace it.
No comments:
Post a Comment