Gifts for the King
Today's focusThe wise men rejoice with exceeding great joy, fall down in worship and open their treasures — worship that costs something and is given gladly.
Read
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And 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. 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Reflection
The journey of the wise men reaches its beautiful conclusion when the star they followed finally "stood over where the young child was." Their response is not one of mere relief, but of overwhelming gladness. The passage describes how "they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." This was a deep, soul-stirring celebration that happened even before they entered the house. It reminds you that seeking Christ brings a unique joy that outshines the weariness of the road you have traveled.
When they finally saw the child, their response was humble and sacrificial. They "fell down, and worshipped him," recognizing his authority and worth. This worship was not expressed through words alone; they "opened their treasures" and "presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." True worship often costs us something precious, yet like these travelers, you can give gladly. Whether you are offering your time, your resources, or your very heart, giving to the King is a natural response to the joy of finding Him. God honors this devotion, even providing guidance for your journey home by "another way."
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What gift — of time, attention, service or love — could you offer to Jesus as an act of worship this week?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I bow before you as the wise men did. I open my heart and offer you what I have. Fill me with exceeding great joy in your presence, and lead me home by your way.