The Gift of Worship

…Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

The long-awaited day finally arrived. The Magi beheld the Christ-child. They bowed. They worshiped. They presented their gifts. 

The treasures given by the Magi symbolize Jesus’ life. Gold, a gift for royalty, acknowledges Jesus as King. Frankincense points to Jesus’ deity and to the fragrant offering of His sinless life. Myrrh, used to preserve bodies for burial, points to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, became the atoning sacrifice for sin.

The Magi gave to Jesus that which was valuable. They teach us a truth about worship: Worship of Jesus involves giving Him your best. 

What valuable gift have you given to Jesus? Give to Him as He gave to you. Give Him your life. Acknowledge Him as Savior. Follow Him as Lord. Journey through life in devoted worship of Him.

Will you join me in reflecting on the Magi’s gifts and humbly worshiping our Lord?

Jesus, we worship you as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)  You are the fulfillment of God’s promise that the throne of David’s offspring would be established forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-13) You are head over all things in heaven and on earth. (Ephesians 1:10) 

Jesus, we worship you as God. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus, we worship you as the perfect sacrifice. You are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!(John 1:29) You appeared …once for all…to do away with sin…(Hebrews 9:26). God made (you) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in (you) we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

On this Christmas Day, we proclaim you, Jesus, to be God and King and sacrifice. You are the One and only Savior of the world—the One who has come and is coming again! 

Jan Burkhart