Verse: Matthew 2:9-11
And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Devotion
I saw a picture online recently that depicted one of the wise men kneeling and presenting Jesus with his gift. The caption read, “Just to be clear, this is for Christmas AND your birthday”. And I laughed, because we all know someone who suffered through that situation growing up, or is trying to navigate it now with their own child.
But later I got to thinking, how many of us are shortchanging Jesus when it comes to our gifts? Are we trying to dictate when they are available to him, or how they can be used? It’s easy to feel generous this time of year, isn’t it? With the Salvation Army ringing their bells, and everybody (mostly) in a cheerful mood, we don’t think twice about giving a little extra to the church, or donating a toy to an underprivileged child, or if we’re really feeling frisky, serving at a soup kitchen. But the church needs to operate all year long. And that child has needs that reach far beyond Christmas morning. And people around us are going hungry EVERY DAY.
We often think of our gifts as things God has bestowed on us, and that’s certainly true. But they weren’t given to us to be kept to ourselves. They are to be offered to him, without restriction, so that he can then show us how, when, where, and on whom they should be used. The “why” we can leave up to him.
As Christmas approaches and we reflect on the greatest gift ever given, let’s begin to think about how God wants us to use our own gifts. After the tree comes down and the stockings are boxed up for next year, let’s not stop kneeling in his presence and offering him everything we have.
Prayer
God, thank you for sending Jesus to live among us, to die for us, and to save us. Please help us to remember that you have also given each of us special gifts that we can use to help others feel that same love you’ve shown us. Amen.
Author: Dave MacDonald
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