Matthew 2:11

New International Version

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.

For Encouragement

Two groups received the report of the birth of Jesus: the shepherds tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem and the wise men from the east. Neither sat on what they heard, but moved with haste to see for themselves the wonderful things they had heard.

The shepherds received their report from an angel and a host of them that sang glory to God in the highest, peace and goodwill to all people on earth (Lk. 2:14). They hurried to Bethlehem to confirm the good news. After seeing Mary and Joseph with the baby in the manger, they told everyone what the angel had said about the child, and everyone who heard it was amazed (16-18).

The wise men received the good news through a star, by revelation. They moved swiftly over a hundred miles to seek after the Child born to be the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-12). Since they believed the child would be born in the Palace, they went to Jerusalem in search of him. Like the wise men on a quest, many today rush to their city capitals in search of prosperity and happiness. However, just as the Magi discovered, we can’t find the Savior on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to show us the way.

Through the prophecy of Micah (5:2), the high priests and the scribes directed the wise men’s search to Bethlehem, where they found the young Child and the parents in a house (Matt. 2:11). Sensing that they were before the Holy One, they fell on their faces and worshipped Him. Their prominent positions and stature didn’t matter. The child Jesus deserved their all, and they gave to Him their humbled and yielded hearts, and their gifts fit for the King: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

You and I also came at Christmas in search of the substance of the frenzy and wonder of the occasion. What did we see, and what was our response? Did we see the Godchild, who is Christ the Lord, Eternal King and Savior, or did we see Santa Claus and his reindeer? How about our response, and how long will it last?

Pray with Me.

Father, thank you for leading us to your Incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, in a condescended state in a manger. We are so blessed to have seen Him through the Holy Spirit and to know Him as Lord and Savior. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15) as we worship and praise you with yielded hearts, now and for eternity. Please let our experience be our wisdom, strength, peace, and hope in Christ, even now and forever. Amen.

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Pexels.com