"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 2:10-11

 January 7

"When the Wise Men saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." -Matthew 2:10-11 (NRSV)

It's hard to grasp the fortitude and perseverance it took the Wise Men to travel for years following a star of mysterious origin to find the Messiah of the Jews. As Magi they would also have known the prophecies predicted this person would also bring light and salvation to all nations. When the star finally stopped, we may wonder if they were shocked or even disappointed to see that this king was a small child living in a modest home with parents who were not wealthy or famous. Yet the wise men brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who he was, not for what he appeared! This is the heart of true worship- honoring Christ for who he is and being willing to trust him what is valuable to you. The Magi gave expensive gifts as grateful recognition of the birth of God's king. Many have seen in their gifts hints of Christ's future. Gold was a gift for royalty while frankincense was a gift for gods and myrrh was a rich rare spice used to anoint bodies for burial. The gold may have provided essential financial resources at the right time for the flight of the Family to Egypt to escape Herod's evil plans.

We are all called to worship God as the Magi did not because he saves us but because he is our perfect and almighty King, worthy of the best you have to give. Dostoyevsky wrote, "I believe that there is no one lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic and more perfect than Jesus. I say to myself ...not only is there no one else like him, but there never could be anyone like him." If you wonder what gifts you have to give, a hymn by Christina Rossetti offers a perfect answer:
"What can I give Him? Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him? I Give Him my heart."

Prayer: Lord, Today I offer my heart and life in your service as my gifts to you with my deep love and gratitude. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Gifts of love are priceless.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)