“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.” - Matthew 2:9-12 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- Romans 12:1-2
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Do you believe that’s true?
Giving something to bless someone else is a way for us to show our love and commitment. The deeper the relationship, the greater our desire to give the perfect gift to show how much they mean to us. The wise men traveled so far for this special moment. It was to be a surprise gift exchange with completely un-expecting recipients. I wonder if toddler Jesus even knew what was happening as royal visitors darkened his door?
I wonder if Mary fretted about the condition of their simple home when guests arrived with such expensive gifts? One thing was certain, the journey for the wise men had reached it’s conclusion. The child Who was born King of the Jews and King over all creation was shuffling across the floor in front of their very eyes.
Their gifts weren’t for a toddler, but for a king. Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, before He performed a single miracle, the wise men knew He was a king worthy of worship. Jesus deserved their worship, not because of what He had done, but simply because of Who He was. This Christmas, I’m sure you will open many wonderful presents as you are gathered around the tree, but the greatest gift that has ever been given came two thousand years ago. God pulled on skin and walked among us. He came to be with us so He could give up His life to save us, fulfilling every one of God’s promises!
As you hang your final ornament on the tree, remember, we give our lives back to God because we understand the greatness of His gift to us.