PBPC Advent Devotional, Week 3 - Friday
Friday
Matthew 2:9-11
9 [The magi] went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)
Weeks, maybe months, earlier, these Persian astrologers had seen an astronomical sign that revealed to them the birth of a new King of the Jews. They caravanned a long and tiring journey, seeking to honor him. What joy they experienced when they finally met him! They paid tribute to him with the expensive gifts that are now familiar to us.
In the well-loved carol, The Little Drummer Boy plays his drum and plays his best for the baby Jesus. In John 12:1-11, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet with precious perfume. What gift – of goods or service or attitude of the heart – would you like to give Jesus?
Daily Practice
By now you are accumulating gifts to give your family and friends for Christmas. Go look at your piles. Think of those intended recipients and your love for them. Thank God for the gift of family and friends and of Jesus, the baby, the man, the savior, the Lord.
Add to your gratitude list. Today, list three aspects of Jesus for which you are grateful. They are God's gift to you: thank him for them.
