Openning Night

Good Morning! 

“Another opening … another show …”

Tonight is the opening night for the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at the Habersham Community Theatre in Clarkesville Georgia.  This lovely little opera (less than 90 minutes long) tells a story of a young crippled boy and his mother who entertain three kings who are on their way, following a star. I am enjoying participating as one of the shepherds who bring food to the kings. The production runs two weekends … December  5-8 and 12-15, with Thursday – Saturday’s shows beginning at 7:30 and Sunday shows beginning at 2.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students.  Tickets are available online … google Habersham Theatre for more info.

Speaking of the three kings … let’s take a look at the Scripture about them …

Matthew 2:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Visit of the Wise Men

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men^[a] 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^[b] 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.

Footnotes:

Matthew 2:1 Greek magi; also verses 7, 16

Matthew 2:2 Or in the east; also verse 9

Scripture doesn’t specify the number of the magi (see the footnote above), only the gifts that were presented to the Christ child … which is why tradition refers to three “kings”.  There is no basis for considering these visitors as “kings”, but they are considered “wise men” in translating the Greek. Some scholars believe that these were people from the Persian area who had read the writings of Daniel.  Here again, we just don’t know.  What we do know is that they were compelled to seek out the “King of the Jews” … and thus are considered “wise”.

What does that mean for me?  Listen to Jesus …

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Let’s consider the five W’s … who, when, what, where, and why.

·         Who is implied … you and me.

·         When?  Now … and every day.

·         What is the action? Seeking after the kingdom of God  and His righteousness.

·         Where?  Wherever we are.

·         Why?  So “all these things will be added to you.” 

The statement comes in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount as recorded by Matthew, after Jesus tells the crowd to not worry about physical needs but to trust God.  In short, put your focus on seeking God and trust Him to take care of you.  He will … of that I can attest.

Well, it’s time for Mr. Jim to “break a leg” … please pray for the cast and crew of Amahl as we present this Christmas opera. 

God bless you all this good day.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer: Father, help me to know how to seek You and Your kingdom. Teach me to trust You and to use my days to seek Your heart and to follow Your “star”.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 2:1-12; 6:25-34