Happy Three Kings Day

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ~Matthew 2:11

My daughter is taking Spanish this year, and she discovered that they don't give gifts at Christmas, but rather leave their special shoes out to receive gifts on Three Kings Day.  This makes a lot more sense to me than some jolly, fat guy giving presents to the world when he only works one day a year for no pay.  She's so excited to get some small gifts and candy.  Hmmm...that wouldn't have been enough on December 25th!

Nonetheless, I think it's important to pause and reflect on the profound wonder of 3 astronomers/astrologers from Persia or further traveling all the way to Israel just because of the the sign they saw in the stars.  And this sign was so significant that they packed up the most valuable gifts in the ancient world to present to the King the star was announcing.  These Magi were not Christians (no such thing yet), they weren't even Jews.  Most likely they had copies of the Jewish scripture acquired during the 'captivity' centuries earlier.  But they had read them, and interpreted them and witnessed a celestial event big enough to convince them.  Oh that we would have such faith!  Oh that we would drop everything in our lives to find Him.  Oh that we would present our most precious gifts (our hearts, souls, minds and strength) to Him and bow down and worship Him!  For Jesus was the fourth King present that day...the King of Kings who has taken away the sins of the world and who will soon return when every knee will bow before Him.

It may be too late find toys in your shoes, but it's never too late to find Jesus in your heart.

Lord, help me to appreciate the incredible gift of love and forgiveness that You gave us by sending Jesus into our world.  Guide me to be more intentional in giving my heart, mind and body to you.  I worship You in Your awesome wonder, and want to live out Your plan for my life, no matter the cost! Amen.