“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for form you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, being me word, that I too may come and worship him.’ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” Matthew 2:1-12
The wise men from the East offered treasures to the new-born King, Jesus. As we reflect on Jesus birth, we know that God sending His Son to die for His people is the greatest treasure of all. Man seems to focus all of his attention on earthly treasures rather than that which is spiritual. Nothing the world has to offer can compare to forgiveness of sins and peace with God. I hope this Christmas that you rejoice in the gifts that you have been given. That you are grateful for the love of God.
Our homes may or may not be filled with physical presents on December 25th. It is a blessing to give to others as we are able. When we pause and remember what we have been given we can indeed count many, many blessings. Let us worship! Let us give praise! Let us give thanks for our greatest treasure!
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