What gift would you give a king?
The thought of it is overwhelming.
What could a normal person ever hope to give royalty? Or what would a king want to receive that he doesn’t already have? And plenty of, I’m sure!
In the midst of a maddening quest for the perfect Christmas gift this retail season, it can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed, far from the intended “reason” for the season. Truth be told, if the minutes were counted, how many of us spend more time thinking about WHAT TO BUY compared to the world-changing event we are supposed to be celebrating?
This occasion was not only world-changing but life-altering as well. It had implications as vast as mankind yet as intimately personal as each individual. It embodied such importance that the keeping of time is even measured by it.
Who came calling?
The significance of this event was lost to many, but not all.
The Magi knew- THIS was going to be a game changer! They had been waiting and watching. They knew the magnitude of this occurrence, even if the Jewish religious leaders of their day were oblivious to it.
Seeing “his star”, they packed up and followed. Matthew 2:1-12 tells of their journey to find this newborn King. They came from the east, hundreds of miles from Jerusalem, asking-
Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?”
When King Herod heard this, it says that “he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him”. Subsequently, religious leaders were summoned by King Herod for their “expertise”- knowledge about the coming Messiah. They answered that Bethlehem was the location of the long-awaited prophecy of Christ’s birth.
After learning this, the Magi continued their travels on to Bethlehem.
What is astounding is not who made the trip to Bethlehem but who didn’t!
All of Jerusalem was disturbed by this great commotion of the Magi and the group accompanying them. Yet with all the uproar and fascination, only the Magi continued on to see what the outcome of the prophecy might be.
What makes this so incredible is the fact that Jerusalem is only 5 and a half miles from Bethlehem! Why wouldn’t the religious leaders, who had been waiting hundreds of years for this prophecy to be fulfilled, think it worth the 5-mile journey to see if it was true?! Why hadn’t curiosity even been enough to motivate them?
The Magi not only considered the journey worthy, they also came prepared to meet the newborn royalty with gifts. But that was not their primary reason for the journey. They came to give something far more important and much less tangible than their “treasures”.
So what do you give a king, a newborn king, the King of ALL Kings? Surprisingly it is something that even the most financially disadvantaged can afford to give.
What do you give a newborn King, the King of all Kings? Worship! Share on XWorship was given as the reason for their journey in verses 2 and 11.
They came to worship!
Before they gave their “treasures”, they gave Him their most valued gift- their worship. And that is still the most appropriate response to this historic event these 2,000 plus years later.
Before the Magi gave their treasures to the newborn King, they gave their most valued gift- their worship. Share on XAre we more like the religious leaders or the Magi?
Is our fixation on the season more about meeting our own expectations for the holiday?
Are we too exhausted from the wrong things to give enough attention to the right things?
Do we put more effort into having a Pinterest-perfect Christmas or enjoying the real opportunity this holiday affords?
May we not be like the religious leaders- becoming proficient in the logistics of the event while neglecting the significant opportunity of it.
When many in our day are tempted to give more than is affordable or even reasonable, let us instead indulge in the real reason for the season. His name is Jesus and He is worth more than a spending frenzy or a “Christless” Christmas card.
He is worthy of our worship, which is the most SATISFYING GIFT OF ALL to give!
Denise Sultenfuss says
This is a thought provoking post! I plan to pin this on my Christmas Place board so that I can revisit it next year. I agree with you that we get so caught up in the momentum of First World Christmas that we forget even those in Developing Nations and the poor among us raise holy hands in worship to the King. Perhaps it easier for those with less to see beyond the glitter and tinsle long enough to follow the Gift.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you for your encouragement and visit!
Rebecca L Jones says
Adoration, is my answer. The one you have waited for the Messiah, they should have received Him and would not, if they had history would be a lot different. And I like my Pinterest perfect Christmas board, because it does always go as planned dealing with real people. My plans are good but God’s are better, let’s let Him perfect Christmas in us.
Gretchen Fleming says
yes! so true Rebecca!
Anita Ojeda says
Thank you for the reminder that all God wants is our worship and devotion–he’ll take care of the rest–the opportunities, the right timing, the words we say.
Gretchen Fleming says
He really makes it simple, doesn’t He?! So glad He brings me back to that concept.
Brenda says
Such a pretty post, Gretchen. — Worship. He’s so, so worthy. Hope you’re having a wonderful advent season, friend. ((hug))
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you Brenda and I hope you did as well!
Alice Walters says
Dear Gretchen, of all the articles, blogs, devotions, and sermons I’ve experienced, I don’t remember anyone ever focusing on our worship as a gift, adoration, yes, but not worship. Thank you! What a powerful reminder to slow down, and simply breathe in our Savior’s majesty and exhale our praise and worship.
Gretchen Fleming says
Amen Alice and thank you!
Melanie Redd says
Amen, Gretchen!
He is worthy of our worship!
What a good word~
Blessings,
Melanie
Gretchen Fleming says
My pleasure friend and thanks for stopping by!
Rachel Lee says
Amen to this, Gretchen! Perfect word for this season. Beautifully written, as usual. <3
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you Rachel! always grateful for your support!
Theresa Boedeker says
Funny how what gift the newborn king needed then, is the same gift we can give today. Love your observation that no one was curious enough to travel the five miles to see what the magi were interested in.
Gretchen Fleming says
Yes I love when He connects the dots for me so that I learn those valuable details!!
Maree Dee says
Thank you for pointing me back to Jesus this morning. Yes, he is worthy. He is what is most important in the season.
Gretchen Fleming says
Amen Maree!
Sarah Geringer says
Hi Gretchen. You’ve pointed out a wonderful truth. If we truly love Jesus, we will seek him and offer our worship to him. I am using this final week of 2017 to praise and thank him for all he’s done in my life this year. I hope you had a blessed Christmas!
Gretchen Fleming says
I did and I hope you did as well!