After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. — MATTHEW 2:11
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He and His family received strangers who came bearing gifts. The focus of the scene is not on Mary or the wise men. Instead, the focus is on the little boy, Jesus. The wise men recognized Jesus to be the promised King of the Jews, so they traveled a great distance to honor Him with their gifts. Though the gifts were valuable, their true value lay in the worship that was offered to Jesus through them.
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I once received a surprise from a stranger that I had only spoken with over the phone. For whatever reason, he decided to give a gift to my family. It was not the economic value but his display of love that made the impact. There is something pleasing about receiving a gift. Gifts certainly bring joy, especially when the one receiving the gift recognizes the kind intention of the one giving it.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He and His family received strangers who came bearing gifts. The focus of the scene is not on Mary or the wise men. Instead, the focus is on the little boy, Jesus. The wise men recognized Jesus to be the promised King of the Jews, so they traveled a great distance to honor Him with their gifts. Though the gifts were valuable, their true value lay in the worship that was offered to Jesus through them.
As believers, we are no longer strangers and enemies to God. We do not need to travel far distances in order to bring Him gifts. Because of this little boy, Jesus, and all that He accomplished in His life, death, and resurrection, we are now a part of His family. How much more should we, then, give Him gifts! How much more should we desire to be pleasing in His eyes! Though we do not offer gold, frankincense, or myrrh, we should nonetheless offer gifts to God. We are urged to present our very bodies to God as gifts (Rom. 12:1–2). Let your obedience to Christ today be a gift from a heart of worship.