Matthew 2:11 ‘And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

DAILY READING – Acts 10 Joshua 4; Job 23

At Christmas, it sometimes seem as if Jesus is a stranger at His own birthday. Christmas is meant to be the season we remember Christ’s birth, but rather globally it has become the reason for hyper-commercial frenzy.  Christmas is typically a peak selling season for retailers in many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In the U.S. sales run into trillions of dollars during the Christmas holidays and the shopping season can start as early as September. For many families, the Christmas season is also full of activities. It is a time for traveling, family get-togethers, parties, eating copious amounts of delicious food, and opening presents. This cultural celebrations of Christmas have indeed made it hard to focus on the origins of this day.

Matthew 2:11 says ‘And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’

The wise men not only brought presents to Jesus but they also worshiped Him. Beyond the presents of this season, let us focus on His Presence. Jesus is the reason for theseason.The true meaning of Christmas is appreciating God for the greatest gift of all; The gift of His son Jesus Christ. Can you imagine what the world would have been like if Christ hadn’t come. We would have been lost, hopeless, miserable and condemned to eternal damnation. It is true we desire miracles from God, but let us always thank Him for the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation through Christ.

Truly God deserves our praise in this season. And as we celebrate Christmas today let us pause and ask ourselves, what birthday gift do we have for Christ? Presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice will be a worthy present.

Romans 12:1 says ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’

Christ will be pleased when we gift him with a life focused and centered on pleasing Him. John 4:23 says God is seeking for worshippers in spirit and in truth. Let us therefore decide today to gift Christ with re-dedication of our lives to His service. Indeed may our lives become a sweet smelling savour, holy and acceptable unto Him..

PRAYER:  Father, I  thank You for the amazing gift You have given  to us through the birth of Christ. In appreciation of Your gift, please grant me the grace to live a life that constantly pleases You and glorifies You always in Jesus name. .

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It takes a heart for God to make a mark in the sands of time. – WORDBITE 201.