Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 2:1-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, Verse 2asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." Verse 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; Verse 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. Verse 5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: Verse 6'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Verse 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Verse 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."
Verse 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Verse 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. Verse 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Verse 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Devotion
So, did you get what you wanted for Christmas this year?
If you were lucky (or planted lots of hints on friends and relatives), you were pleased … otherwise, it’s off to the mall to exchange for something more your size or your style.
The Magi brought gifts appropriate for royalty. They weren’t practical presents for a child or his family, but their worth symbolized the value they ascribed to the recipient.
There is only one thing we can give Jesus that he truly wants or needs: the gift of ourselves. We give him that gift whenever we spend time in thought and prayer and worship. We give him that gift through the love shared when we care for God’s people and God’s creation. The third verse of they hymn In the Bleak Midwinter goes, “What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. But what I can give him … I give him my heart.” That’s a gift that’s perfect every time.
Prayer
Accept, O Lord, the gift I bring – the gift of myself, the gift of my heart. I humbly lay it at your feet and adore you. Amen.