Oh, bless the Christ child born on Christmas Day!
The Magi brought him gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense, and they worshiped Christ, God’s Son.
Who were the Magi?
Magi means skilled magicians or astrologers, and is plural for Magus. The Magi were wise men from the East as described in the Gospel of Matthew.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘” Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (KJV).
The three wise men, or Magi, laid gold at Jesus’ feet because of his royal status as king of the Jews and as the Son of God, as prophesied. They brought frankincense, the incense that burned in the temples during worship, to recognize Jesus’ divinity, priesthood, and worthiness of worship and praise. The Magi also brought myrrh, which was often used in embalming and anointing. The myrrh foreshadowed Jesus’ suffering and death for the sins of the world.
Jesus, the savior of the world, received these wonderful gifts soon after his birth. These gifts were of great value and were given to honor royalty. Ages before these gifts were given, God planned to send his Son as the greatest gift the world could ever receive.
There is no greater gift than Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.
Jesus is the gift of eternal life with God the Father to those who will receive Jesus as their savior.
The Apostle Paul describes Jesus as the “unspeakable” or indescribable gift.
Why is Jesus the greatest gift?
Christ is the gift of God’s selfless love to the world, one of many reasons why he is the greatest gift.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (KJV).
Jesus is the gift of salvation, eternal life, and a life with God without end.
Romans 5:8 states, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Christ gave his life to reconcile the world to God.
Jesus will return with a reward for those who love him.
“I will come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Rev 22:12 KJV).”
And what a reward it will be!
What can we give Christ on his birthday, Christmas Day, or even every day?
I’m reminded of the Jackson 5’s song, Give Love on Christmas Day.
There’s a stanza that says,
“Why don’t you give love on Christmas Day? (On Christmas Day)
Oh, the man on the street and the couple upstairs
all need to know there’s someone who cares.
Give love on Christmas Day (On Christmas Day).
No greater gift is there than love.
What the world needs is love.
Yes, the world needs your love.”
There’s no greater love than God’s love.
There’s no greater gift than God’s gift, Jesus!
There’s no greater reward than God’s reward.
We can all give the gift of love this Christmas.
Are you pondering what to give Jesus on his birthday?
Give someone the gift of love.
Have a Merry Christmas!
I hope you are happy and well.