The Wise Men came to Bethlehem with gifts-wonderful gifts. There was gold, a royal gift, appropriate for one who is the King of kings. There was incense, a common tool of priests, indicating his future priesthood. There was myrrh-expensive and used in a variety of ways: perfumes, anointing oil, medicine, and embalming. Jesus would be anointed with perfume; He would be given wine mixed with myrrh while on the cross; He would be buried with spices that included myrrh. The gifts were appropriate.
We come to our Bethlehems bearing gifts. Some are for dear ones to express our love for them. Some will go to our favorite charities so they may do their work of love to the least, the last, and the lost. Some will go to our worshipping communities so they may continue to express God's heart for His people.
But Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem with the very best gift of all. They came with Jesus, the Christ, the Savior of the world. They came with Him who is both true God and true man. They bring to Bethlehem the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world. They bring to Bethlehem One who will be tempted even as we are tempted, but does not sin. They bring to Bethlehem One who will conquer death. They bring to Bethlehem the very best gift of all-the gift of life, peace, forgiveness, and hope. It is the gift that means everything.
THE PRAYER: O heavenly Father, you gave us the best Christmas gift ever. We gladly join with the angels, the shepherds, the Wise Men, and our brothers and sisters around the world to praise and glorify You. Please bless our gifting. Amen.
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