THE SET UP: Yesterday we read a passage from Psalm 72 in the Old Testament which prophesied that nomads (shepherds) would come and bow down before the Messiah in worship, which is fulfilled in Luke 2 when shepherds became the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus. As the passage in Psalm 72 continues we read that kings will come from afar and bring gifts for the king, which we see in Matthew’s gospel. In Matthew chapter two, royal wise men (Magi) travel from the east to find the newborn king.
The Magi were not present at the birth of Jesus, or immediately afterward like the shepherds. Most biblical scholars believe Jesus was between 18-months and two years old when the Magi arrived to worship him. This is based on Matthew 2:16-18, when King Herod ordered that all baby and infant boys who were two years old and younger be killed, trying to eliminate the “king of the Jews”. This is also the fulfillment of a prophecy from the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:15).
When the Magi arrived to worship Jesus, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold represented royalty, it was a gift for a king. Frankincense was used in the sacred incense that was offered in the temple, it symbolized Jesus as our high priest. And myrrh was used in embalming, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
Many people have suggested that the reason we exchange gifts on Christmas is because of the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus, and there is probably some truth in that. But the greatest gift given at Christmas is Jesus (God so loved the world, he GAVE – John 3:16). As we wait during Advent for the birth of Jesus, may we give thanks and worship to the greatest gift ever given.
PASSAGE TO READ: Psalm 72:10-11, Matthew 2:1-12
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
· What is your favorite or most memorable Christmas gift? What was so special about it?
· When you reflect on the three gifts given to Jesus and what they represent, which one sticks out to you the most? Why?
· How has Jesus been a gift to you in the last few weeks?
PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for the greatest Christmas gift ever given. You didn’t give something, you gave someone. In the same way, the greatest gift I can give to you is my life in surrender. Help me to renew my commitment to worship you with my life, not just my words this Advent season. Amen.”