Matthew 2: 1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him, when he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: But you, Bethlehem , in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ” Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Magi, or wise men, coming from the east. They were coming to worship the Israelites King. How did they know that a King had been born? But by a star. Jesus’ star. They brought 3 gifts to baby Jesus. Gold, frankincense , and myrrh.
We could do a study just on these men called the Magi. However, today Christmas Day, we are going to go a different direction. Let’s look at the gifts these men gave to baby Jesus.
First of all, they gave gifts to our King. Our savior! Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever given Jesus a gift? Or do you expect God to give us gifts??? Is your relationship with our Triune God about Him or you?
Dear Heavenly Father,
This season help us to make life about you and not me. Put in our heart what would please you. Help us not to have a selfishness.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
