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Matthew 2:11 - Christmas Presents for Jesus.Matthew 2:11 (NKJV) And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.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 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] The Real Meaning of Christmas for You A few years ago, I saw where a film crew went into a mall and interviewed some so-called "Christians" who were shopping for gifts just a few days before Christmas. The key question of the interview was, "What is the real meaning of Christmas?" What was astounding to me wasn't the fact that most people didn't know what Christmas was about, but that most of those who were interviewed didn't even mention God or Jesus Christ. Instead, most answered saying things like, "It's a time for family" or "It's about giving and receiving gifts." But the heart of the season isn't a "what;" it's a "who." Apart from the person of Jesus Christ, Christmas becomes nothing more than a feel-good time of indulgence rather than a season of connecting with Christ through selfless giving. There are so many other messages out there today that try to take our focus off the real meaning of Christmas. Don't let them distract you from what really matters. Focus your heart and your mind on Jesus this Christmas and thank God for His indescribable gift of grace that came into the world on that first Christmas day! Focus Your Heart On Jesus This Christmas And Thank God For Sending His Son Into The World! [PowerPoint Today by Jack Graham; https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/powerpoint/] EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD SERMON ON THE INCARNATION The Glory of the Incarnation by Pastor Ryan Ashlock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeBvqxgivy0 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/ |