Daily Advent Devotionals, Day 22
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:9-12
Such familiar words!
Wise men from afar finally found the little family, worshipped Jesus and presented gifts. I’d have taken nappies, babygros and blankets plus a casserole for the parents, but I’d have been wrong. These men were spot on, gold would provide for that refugee family for two years, frankincense would repel desert insects from tender infant skin, and myrrh would serve as baby oil keeping him clean and comfortable.
Practical gifts, but also gifts with the messages we sing of every year. Gold denotes majesty – this child was born King of the Jews, and now reigns in Heaven. Priests used incense to worship God – this child was God come down to earth, and now is seated in Heaven. Myrrh was used to prepare bodies for burial – this child, both King and God, was born to die – and to rise!
The men wouldn’t fully understand what those gifts meant, but gave them anyway. Magi, named because they dealt in magic which was never part of God’s purposes for His people, and yet they and their gifts were welcomed and accepted.
This was how God showed the world that all are welcome, no matter our age, gender, or race, no matter what we have been, have believed, or have done in the past, Jesus came for all, and wants all of us to come to Him – He will accept us.
Reflect
Have you let the words and promises of Jesus settle into your heart?
He wants to feed you, lead you, love and tenderly care for you.
Pray
Loving God,
You know me and accept me, just as You knew and accepted the wise men who worshipped Jesus. May that knowledge so thrill me, that I make time to worship You daily, giving you the gifts of my love and my life – even when I don’t fully understand what that may mean.
I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be part of a different story this Christmas, one that celebrates our King and brings hope to a watching world ...
• Worship Fully
• Spend Less
• Give More
• Love All
... and join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be—a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us.
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