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Matthew 2:11 - Christmas Presents for Jesus.

Matthew 2:11 (NLT) They entered the house 
and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and 
they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they 
opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of 
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  

INTRODUCTION

The wise men brought gifts and worshiped 
Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true 
worship - honoring Christ for who he is and being 
willing to give him what is valuable to you. Worship 
God because he is the perfect, just, and 
almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best 
you have to give. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

Gifts for a King
   I've spent this morning wrapping 
presents. The sofa was blanketed in items awaiting my 
attention, and the dining table stood awash in paper 
and ribbon. It was a scene of happy chaos: 
cookies in the oven, a scented candle burning on the 
hearth, and Christmas music playing in the 
background. 
   As I prepared gifts for loved ones, I 
recalled some of my family's earliest Christmases. 
Simple gifts seemed to please my daughter most, 
such as a box of brightly colored feathers, a 
stack of felt, or popsicle sticks. 
   Why did those inexpensive presents bring 
my child such joy when just a foot away lay an 
expensive popular doll? Perhaps because those simple 
gifts required her to think, act, and create - to 
make her world a better place. Something I desire 
to do as I follow Jesus. 
   After almost all the wrapping had been 
completed, one small empty box remained. I wrapped it 
and placed it alongside the others under the 
tree. This gift is special, though, because it's 
for Jesus. It may seem empty, but as I covered 
it in festive paper, I contemplated how it's 
really not. This container is filled with all the 
plans I have for the coming year that I hope will 
bring Jesus glory - actions I can take, people I 
can help, and ways I can make His world a better 
place. 
   This symbolic gift won't ever need to be 
opened. Jesus knows my heart, my intentions, and my 
love for Him. It's for me to remember  and to 
keep giving. Heidi Gaul 
   Faith Step: What can you offer Jesus this 
year? Create your own gift for Jesus  and 
remember. [Mornings With Jesus 2022 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   Behold the first Christian worshippers. 
The simple dwelling became a cathedral. Seekers 
of Christ found him and knelt in his presence. 
They gave him gifts: gold for a king, 
frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for his burial. 
   They found the Christ because they heeded 
the sign and believed the scripture. Noticeably 
absent at the manger were the scholars of the 
Torah. You'd think they would have accompanied the 
magi to Bethlehem. The village was near enough. 
The risk was small enough. But the priests 
showed no interest. 
   The wise men earned their moniker because 
they did. Their hearts were open to God's gift. 
The men were never the same again. 
   Called by the sign of a star. Instructed 
by Scripture. And directed home by God. 
   God uses every possible means to 
communicate with you. The wonders of nature call to you. 
The promises and prophecies of Scripture speak 
to you. God himself reaches out to you. He 
wants to help you find your way home. [You Can 
Count On God by Max Lucado] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Matthew 2:11 - Christmas Present for Jesus.

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231216-0839.html 

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211214-0904.html 

Luke 9:23 - FOLLOWING JESUS.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210410-0922.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/