“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.’ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:1-2 and 11 (KJV)
Christmas . . . a time of revelry and festivity . . . a time of impressing people with the size and value of a gift. When our children are born, we want to give them everything they want, even if they don’t know what they want. While they are growing up, we struggle with what age-appropriate gifts to buy for them. Every year the gifts get bigger and more expensive. Of course, the family is growing and increasing so we are expected to buy more. Finally, we begin ‘drawing names’ to offset the expense. And Christmas gets twisted and torn in the process. It becomes a dreaded holiday. Only the merchants are happy. It wasn’t meant to be this way.
Christmas began with a baby born in uncertain times under uncertain conditions to a family that could barely pay its taxes. Gift-giving had always been about giving to the poor who needed help. On that wonderful night of our Savior’s birth, God was giving to those who needed help. When the Eastern wise men finally arrived at Joseph’s and Mary’s home, their visit was about worship and honor. Yes, they gave their best, because that is the attitude of worship. They were worshipping God, not exchanging gifts.
Dear Father, thank you for the gifts of mercy and grace. Grant that we may regain the attitude of worship in our gift-giving. May we truly worship you by giving our best. May our gifts truly help those in need. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his gift and live to his glory,