JOYFUL HEART BLESSINGS 23
"When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! The entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, the returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod." -Matthew 2:10-12
The wise men’s response echoes the same of the angels and the shepherds when they found Jesus — joy! Wise men, also called magi, were not the types of guys you’d imagine looking for Jesus, let alone worshipping Him. Astrologers by trade from a foreign land in the Middle East, the magi made a long journey to reach a King their culture did not worship. And yet, they bowed and worshipped Jesus when they saw Him! They brought expensive and symbolically significant gifts for Him. And they trusted God’s directions in a dream and did not return to Herod to share Jesus’ whereabouts.
So what does this mean for us today? The wise men remind us Jesus came for Gentiles too, just like them, and just like us. We have the same opportunity today in our own corners of life to come and worship our King! Backgrounds and cultures aside, Jesus invites everyone, especially the least expected. We may have to leave a lot behind or travel a difficult road, though probably not on camelback. But the joy of finding Him in our hearts is entirely worth the journey. The best part of all? Jesus wants us all to come. The more the merrier!
Let’s pray together.
Dear God,
Thank You for working through the wise men to remind me that we’re all invited to come. I don’t need any qualifications or accomplishments to be accepted. Renew a posture in me with a heart at rest that seeks You first. Would the wise men’s joy also be my own this Christmas, as I’m reminded Jesus is the truest and fullest celebration of all. Amen.
Blessing for Little Ones
Dear Jesus, as the wise men came to worship You, I pray I will always seek You too! You filled their hearts with the biggest joy, much better than any gift or toy. Amen.