Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Matthew 2.1-12

Have you been looking for that perfect gift this Christmas? The one that your loved one has been dropping hints about? The one that you had to drive to four different stores to find? The Magi were also looking for a gift. It was literally the perfect gift. It had been prophesied about, and the Magi had traveled many miles to see it. This gift, as we now know, was Jesus Christ, and was given to us by God. God pulled out all the stops so that those seeking after Christ could find Him and worship Him. In the Magi’s time He used a star, and in our time He is using the Church. He called the Magi to come see, and he calls us to go and tell. The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We give our lives. Not because God needs anything from us, but because Jesus alone can satisfy our hearts and is the ultimate treasure.

So this advent season, I pray that the gifts you seek are the Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy that can only be found God’s gift to us, His son, Jesus Christ.

Weekly Memory Verse: O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8