Giving our hearts to the King…
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard [this], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, [in] the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found [Him], bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 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. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:1-12 NKJV
Jesus’s birth was a time of celebration for most who knew about it, but not everyone was happy. King Herod, appointed ruler of Israel by their Roman conquerors, was so afraid of losing his royal position that he couldn’t rejoice that he had lived to see the Messiah born into the world.
But others had come a long way to meet the Savior. The magi were educated in astronomy and apparently knew the prophecies about the Messiah. When they saw the signs, they pursued the Savior.
Astronomy records show that an unusual star appeared in the time when Jesus was believed to be born. This was a special birth, an exceptional event. Human history was about to be turned on its head. The magi pursued the Savior, found the baby, and worshiped Him. They also presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts for a king.
How do we receive Jesus? As someone who threatens our own preeminence in our lives? Or as the king of our lives? This Christmas, let’s ask ourselves: have we given the king our hearts? Have we made him ruler over our lives? God made all things, and everything belongs to Him.
Let us give back to Him a small portion of the grace He has poured on us.