Dec 25th Matthew 2:10-11 (KJV) 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. THE WORSHIP OF WISE MEN Their gifts were three. We dont know their number for sure. Tradition indicates there were probably three wise men because of these three gifts. Tradition also has assigned names to these wise men: Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior. We dont really know that they had camels, but apparently they crossed the desert. And camels were good for that sort of thing. One thing we know for sure, though. They did bring three gifts. Consider their three gifts from that wonderful old Christmas legend that confronts us this time of year. Consider first the testimony of the wise man who brought the gold: Born a king of Bethlehems plain. Gold I bring to crown him again; King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign. Consider next the words of him who brought the frankincense: Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship him, God most high. Finally, consider the counsel of him who brought the myrrh: Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying; Sealed in a stone-cold tomb. Now hear them all as they offer the infant Jesus their worship: Glorious now behold him arise. King and God and Sacrifice! Heaven sings “Alleluia,” “Alleluia,” the earth replies! Do you have a little gold you might give Him this Christmas? Then offer it to Him. No frankincense? No myrrh? The best gifts you can offer Him are your hallelujahs. Worship and adore Him with all your heart. AN ADDITIONAL READING Read: Psalm 16:5-11 (KJV) 5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Today we hold in our hands…a new shirt, maybe? A slick kitchen gadget? Shaving accessories? Perfume? Perhaps a bit of chocolate? At their heart, these things are not just merchandise; they are reminders that we matter to someone—someone who loves us enough to take an out-of-the-way trip and buy a gift just for us. Today, your best gift should be to want to be near God. Not to be in love with Christmas but in love with Christ. PRAYER Lord, heres my adoration. It is the gift that honors You even as it keeps me alive. If there is no praise, there is no Christmas. Here are my hallelujahs. They are Yours, offered gladly from my own small but jubilant heart.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 12:30:27 +0000
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