It Is Christmas: The Journey of the NativityНамуна

Day 8: The Magi – Gifts for the King
Reading: Matthew 2:11

After their long journey, the Magi finally enter the house where Jesus is. There is no pomp or royalty in the setting, only simplicity and humility. Yet, when they see the child Jesus, the Magi bow down and worship Him. It’s an extraordinary moment: men of great knowledge and status kneeling before a small child.

They do not come empty-handed. Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are rich with meaning. Each one reveals a profound truth about who Jesus is:

• Gold represents His kingship. He is the King of kings, worthy of honor and glory.
• Frankincense, used in the temple, points to His divinity. He is the Son of God, the mediator between heaven and earth.
• Myrrh, used for embalming, foreshadows His sacrifice. From birth, Jesus was destined to die for humanity.

As Tim Keller notes: “The Magi understood that Jesus was not just any king, but the King who came to rule with grace and to die for His subjects.” Their gifts were not mere symbolic gestures; they were declarations of genuine worship.

The Magi teach us that true worship requires surrender. It is not just about words but about offering what we hold most valuable. Spurgeon highlights: “There is no true worship without sacrifice. The heart surrendered to God is the most precious gift we can offer.”

Today, Jesus does not ask for gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but something far more precious: our hearts, our devotion, and our lives. He desires our total surrender, not just in words but in deeds.

Christmas is an invitation to reflect: what have we given to the King? He deserves the best of us—not only on December 25 but every day of the year. May our worship be more than a gesture; may it be a loving response to the incomparable gift we have received in Christ.

Prayer:
“Lord, help me to offer the best of myself in worship to You. May my life be a gift of gratitude and praise for all You have done for me. Teach me to recognize Your kingship, Your divinity, and Your sacrifice every day of my journey. Amen.”