Advent Daily Devotional - Day 19
Matthew 2:10-11
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The wise men got their name for a reason. They were known for their wisdom and understanding of the skies, and based on this wisdom and studies, they had been travelling for a long time, following a star that they believed would lead them to a new King. The excitement that we read about when they found the baby and his family was not just an emotional response at the end of their journey, not just a satisfaction that their knowledge and wisdom had brought them to this small house in Bethlehem. It was a deep, spiritual reaction. They were ‘overjoyed’ not because they had reached their destination, but because they understood the significance of the child they were about to meet.
Their actions can help us think about how we should approach Jesus. When they entered the house, they bowed down. This is a response that is a sign of humility, reverence and surrender. These wise men recognised that they were in the presence of a King who was greater than any earthly ruler. They worshipped him, offering not just words but tangible gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were symbols of honour, sacrifice and a foreshadowing of His future death.
Joy in the presence of Jesus
Like the wise men, do we experience true joy when we encounter Jesus? Their joy wasn’t based on circumstances but on the greatness of who they were seeking. As we reflect on their reaction to meeting the baby Jesus, do we find our joy rooted in the presence of Christ, or are we distracted by the busyness of life? Take time to reflect on His presence in your life and allow that to fill you with deep, lasting joy.
When was the last time you truly felt overjoyed in the presence of Jesus?
What do you think it would take for you to experience that kind of joy again?
Worship with our whole being
The wise men did more than just acknowledge Jesus, they worshipped Him. Worship for them was a posture of submission, a recognition of who this baby truly was. This is a challenge for us too. In what ways do we worship Jesus in our daily lives? Is it with our actions, time and resources, or is it just a Sunday habit? And are we offering our best to him as the wise men did with their gifts?
In what areas of your life might you need to bow down and surrender more fully to Jesus?
Giving our best to Jesus
The gifts they gave were valuable and symbolic. Gold represented royal status, frankincense symbolised divinity, and myrrh pointed to suffering and death. When we give to Jesus, it’s not just about money or material things but about offering our hearts and lives. What are the gifts that God is calling you to offer? Is it your time, your talents, your relationships?
How are you currently giving your best to Jesus? Is there anything you feel God is asking you to offer in a new way?
The wise men’s journey was one of searching, discovery and ultimately of worship. As we continue our own journeys of faith, and particularly at Christmas, let us look to encounter Jesus in deeper ways, to respond with joyful worship, and to offer him our best.
Today's devotional was written by James Hopkin.