Gifts of Worship

"And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11 NKJ)

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 followed a star and 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. And they were not trying to impress anyone but the King whom they worshipped.

Wise men and women, boys and girls still search for God's Anointed One. They come prepared to give their best to him. They come to worship him, for he alone is worthy of our worship.

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your gift of salvation. Grant that we may give our best to you in worship. May we worship you by sharing your grace with others. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today worshipping Christ,