It’s Christmastime. We are all familiar with heartwarming scenes of the season like this:
“They saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures.” (Matthew 2:11)
We’ve seen and heard this portrayal every year in nativity plays, television specials, movies, and our favorite Christmas cards. Wise men – three, we’re often told, although the Bible doesn’t say how many – came from a great distance to see the new King, and when they saw Him, they gave Him gifts. Pretty pricey stuff too. Gold, incense, and myrrh – things that shine brightly, smell nice, and feel wonderful. Gifts that only kings can afford.
Perhaps this act of giving doesn’t resonate with us like it should. Maybe we’ve heard it so often that our familiarity with it has bred, if not contempt, at least a lack of fascination. Perhaps we assume that rich magi under the support of their kings could easily afford such treasures. To them it could have been nothing more than a routine baby-shower gift, as far as we know. But the important thing to notice in this passage is that the wise men gave to Jesus the things they considered most valuable. In a Middle Eastern culture two thousand years ago, this was top of the line. It took them a lot of time and a lot of treasure to make that journey and present these gifts. It was an act of adoration.
Such giving ought to characterize our adoration too, agree? We praise God with our tongues, raise our hands to Him, and study His Word. But do we give Him what is most costly and valuable to us? Do we take the things we have that are top of the line – treasures that we value most highly – and offer them to Him? Answering that is a challenge, isn’t it? We first must know ourselves well.
Throughout this special season let’s assess what we value most. Maybe it’s a relationship, a dream, an honor, or an allegiance. Whatever it is, it’s our treasure. Then let’s lay it at Jesus’ feet and Tell Him It’s His. True love always involves deep sacrifice. It certainly did for Him. It does for us as well.
Have a generous weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who daily surrender their lives and treasures for Him to use as He sees fit, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 