Scripture

On entering the home, they saw the child with his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chest, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Observation

After Jesus’ birth, the Magi come from the East. They ask the rulers where the King of the Jews is born. Herod is frightened when he hears this, and he finds out from the priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They tell him that it was to be Bethlehem.

Herod calls for a meeting with the Magi. He tells them the baby should be born in Bethlehem. He tells them to seek diligently and report back to him when they find Him.

The Magi follow the star to the place where Jesus and His mother are. They worship him and Give Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Application

In the Christmas story we find three broad classes of people:

• those who hear the Good News and recognise instantly that the baby is the Son of God
• those who know with the intellect that the baby might be the Messiah, but are not that committed to seeking Him out
• those who are driven by hatred or fear of the baby

We can know all the facts about Jesus as the priests and scribes did, and still not know Him. We can have an intellectual knowledge of the Bible and miss the heart of the author.

We can even hate and oppose God because we know that He wants a different focus in our life.

Or we can worship Him, recognising that in Christ everything finds its place.

Prayer

Lord Jesus I offer myself to you again. Use me as you choose and enable me to worship you in every situation. Amen.