Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the reign of King Herod.
About that time some wise men from eastern lands
arrived in Jerusalem,
asking,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star as it rose,
and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this,
as was everyone in Jerusalem.
He called a meeting of the leading priests
and teachers of religious law and asked,
“Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,”
they said,
“for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
