“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.” Matthew 2:11a, NIV
After endless months of treacherous travel, the star stopped over a humble home. With great reverence, we slowed to a stop. Dusting our clothes and wiping our hands we unpacked the gifts we had carried to the king. Walking slowly towards the home, we stilled a moment, preparing our hearts and minds to meet our Savior.
Silently, almost as if each of us were solemnly capturing this moment in his heart, we proceeded to the doorway. His mother, a young woman with a sincere smile, permitted us entrance to meet this baby-king.
We each respectfully knelt to honor this royalty and we praised Him. Such a moment is hard to describe in adequate words. We just knew this small child was indeed a King. The time we were in His presence felt much too short, yet there was a piece of the soul that was satisfied, as it never had been before.
To honor him, a King with His very own star, we brought our richest gifts. But we knew they represented mere tokens of what He deserved.
We opened our treasures and gifted Him, as only we knew how. What joy we experienced in giving Him what we had carried so far. We knew we had done exactly as we were destined as we watched His mother graciously accept the treasures into her home.
Our quest fulfilled, we reluctantly turned to leave. We were returning home, to the life we knew before. But not one of us was ever the same after meeting the King.
Have you ever thought about the wonder with which those wise men made their long trek in search of Jesus? In my quest to create a memorable holiday for my family, I often forget that the imperative quest should really be discovering Jesus, and God’s great love for each of us, every single one. Maybe you’ve been there?
Before I can entertain others with the peace of the season, I first must rest there myself.
Before I can bring joy to little one’s faces, I must first experience it in my soul.
Before I can offer hope to a lonely neighbor I must first realize what abundant hope I can have in Jesus.
I must contemplate: How do I approach Jesus?
According to Matthew 2 the magi did three things:
They saw Jesus for who He was.
They bowed down and worshipped Him.
Then, they opened their treasures.
Do I see Jesus for who He is? (To learn who Scripture says He is, please turn to John 14:6-7 to get started.)
Do I bow down (acknowledging His pre-eminence in my life) and worship Him?
Do I open my treasures to Him? (Do I offer my gifts and talents to glorify Him?)
Determining these answers will help us to offer others the true peace, joy and hope of Christmas!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, May I keep Jesus foremost in my mind as I prepare for Christmas. May my heart remain purely devoted to You. In Jesus, name, Amen.