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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11)
It's such a lovely picture—the wise men kneeling before little Jesus, offering Him their presents. I wonder what He thought of them? I suspect Mary took the spices away pretty quickly—a toddler could make a huge mess with those in no time. Gold is less messy—and if it was shaped right, I suppose Jesus might chew on it like a teething ring!
We don't know what ultimately happened to the gifts Jesus got. Maybe they supported the young family when they were refugees in Egypt. But we know what happened to the gifts Jesus brought—because those are all the good things He came into this world to give us.
Think of what He gave to us through His life, death, and resurrection: forgiveness, joy, and peace with God. New, clean, loving hearts and minds. Healing for our brokenness. A life that lasts forever.
But the best of all His gifts is Himself. For God gives Himself to us in Jesus, to be our life forever. We will never be alone or lost again. The One who loves us more than anyone will stay with us forever.
WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for giving us Yourself. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* If you had come with the wise men, what present would you want to offer Jesus?
* What could you give Him now, of your own free choice, to say "I love You"?
* Why is it fair to call Jesus Himself our gift?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 1-3 Matthew 1
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