The Eighth Tribe, 1974 (1. évfolyam, 1-7. szám)
1974-12-01 / 7. szám
December, 1974 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page Fire Only tlie star kept them going. It beckoned to them. It was constant, it never dimmed. And, when doubt overwhelmed them in the lonliness of the desert night, the star pierced the gloom and poured its clear blue light down to them like cool water on thirsty tongues. And so it brought them through the passes of Edom into Jericho, where the Dead Sea meets the Jordan River, through the wilderness of Judah, up the road from Mar Saha into the walled city of Jerusalem, where the star was almost directly above them. So they went to the temple of Solomon and as required waited in the outer court of the Gentiles and addressed one of the many priests. “Where is the newly arrived king of the Jews. We have followed his star from the east and come to worship him.” The priest had no idea of what they meant, and rebuked them. But when he realized who they were, he offered them food and baths and entertainment. For a day they lived like kings again. But when they were fed and rested, Melchior said they must move on. Before they went the priest relayed to them an ancient Jewish prophecy, “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, are not the least of Judea's principalities; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” With that the three thanked him and set off for the south. When they were at the gate a messenger from Herod the king charged up from behind commanding them to yield. “Herod the king wants you to return to the temple,” he said. They did and when they were taken to the king, they found him lying on a golden cot, too weak with disease to rise. “You’ve come looking for the new king of the Jews. Where is he?” the king said. “We have not found him,” Melchior said, “but we have traveled far and will not return until we do.” “Go and search diligently and when you find him bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him,” Herod said. Herod said no more and the three were led to the city gate. They followed the star again until it seemed directly above them and saw that it beamed down on the town of Bethlehem. The three were overwhelmed at the sight and rushed to find the king. They asked everyone they met until one said, “You’ll find him at the inn, lying in a manger."’ They were puzzled to hear this. “This is the king of the Jews we mean, are you sure that’s where he is?” Gaspar said. “I have been there. He is wondrous. See for yourselves, he said. The inn wasn’t far and when they reached the manger below, they could see that surely here was the promise of the star, for it shone down on the spot, transfiguring the simple shed into a temple of light. When they saw the babe, they were weak with wonder, for how could he?... was it possible? ... surely not an infant! But the glorious light reassured them and they fell on their knees saying, “Truly we have found the Son of God, king of the Jews, and the kingdom of Heaven is here.” ☆ ☆ The tender light of love then refrehes the wearv world—even as it did long ago, on the night of all nights, the first Christmas. HUNGARIAN CHRISTMAS HYMN Translated by Mrs. Julianna Toth Krisztus Urunknak Áldott Születésén (Rhythmic-version) This blessed day when Christ, our Savior was born, We will sing praises like the angels that morn. Who o'er the fields of Bethlehem were winging, Joyfully singing: “Glory to God be in the highest heaven! Goodwill to all men, peace on earth be given,” Goodwill to every tribe and every nation, And generation! In Bethlehem, in David’s noble city, Jesus, the Christ-child, born to Virgin Mary Brought happiness to all of Adam’s children, Great joy to all men! ISow He has come for Whom the fathers waited! Three holy kings are seeking the Anointed! This was foreseen by many prophets of old! All this ivas foretold! Lord Jesus is our true anointed Savior, Who will from all our sins and grief deliver! Joyful in heaven we will live forever, Praise our Redeemer!
