Scripture:
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” — Matthew 2:11–12
Devotional:
The wise men finally arrived.
After months of travel and miles of uncertainty, their long pursuit ended — not in a palace or before a throne, but in a small home filled with the scent of hay and hope. The journey that began with a light in the sky ended with light wrapped in flesh.
They entered quietly, hearts pounding, and saw the child. No crown, no guards, no grandeur. Just the ordinary — and in it, divinity. They bowed, not because the scene demanded it, but because their souls did. This was no ordinary child. This was the One their restless hearts had been chasing all along.
Their worship wasn’t polite; it was total. The word “bowed” here means to fall completely prostrate — face to the ground. Before the Creator who had stepped into creation, pride had no room left to breathe.
Then they opened their treasures — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — gifts chosen with intention, not impulse. Each one whispered a story of who He was and what He would one day do.
Gold spoke of His royalty — the King of heaven born in humility.
Frankincense spoke of His divinity — the true High Priest who would stand between heaven and earth.
Myrrh spoke of His suffering — the One who would die to bring life.
Every gift pointed toward the cross. Their worship wasn’t about what they saw, but what they believed. They saw a child — and gave as if standing before a King.
Worship has always been the moment where seeing and believing collide. It’s not about what’s visible — it’s about what’s true. The wise men didn’t bring their leftovers; they brought their best. They didn’t offer convenience; they offered cost. True worship is never casual. It’s love made visible.
And when it was over, they left differently. The text says they returned “by another route.” It wasn’t just a change in direction — it was a change in heart. When you’ve truly encountered Jesus, you can’t go back the same way. His presence rearranges your priorities, reorders your loves, and redirects your path.
Advent calls us to that same kind of response. The King has come — not to take from you, but to receive what only you can give: your worship, your wonder, your heart. The question is not if we’ll bring Him something, but what.
Will we give Him what’s easy—or what’s costly?
What’s left—or what’s loved?
Because when you finally see Jesus for who He is, holding back stops making sense.
Application:
What treasure is God asking you to lay at His feet this season—your time, your pride, your control, your plans? How could you worship not out of obligation, but out of awe?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are my greatest treasure. Teach me to bring You what costs something—to give, to kneel, to love with open hands. Change my heart so that I never walk away the same. Amen.
Family Advent Activities
1. Gifts for the King Painting
Spread out paper or small canvases and let each family member paint their “gift” to Jesus. It could be an image, a word, or even just colors that express love, gratitude, or surrender. On the back, write a short prayer offering that gift to Him. When finished, display them near your nativity or tree as your family’s gifts for the King.
Talk about it: “If you could give Jesus one thing from your heart today, what would it be?”
2. Treasure Ornament
Use a clear ornament and fill it with gold paper, glitter, or ribbon. On a small slip of paper, each person writes what they want to give Jesus this season—time, forgiveness, patience, generosity—and places it inside. Hang it on the tree as your family’s symbol of worship and devotion.
Talk about it: “Why do you think the wise men brought their best gifts to Jesus instead of something easy?”
Recipe Options:
1. Honey-Gold Cookies
Bake soft sugar cookies, replacing a few tablespoons of sugar with honey for a warm, golden flavor. After baking, drizzle lightly with a simple honey glaze made from powdered sugar, honey, and a touch of milk. The golden color reminds us of the wise men’s gift—something precious, sweet, and offered with love.
Talk about it: “How can our words and actions this week be a sweet gift to God?”
2. Orange-Spice Tea Bread
Mix together 1½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 egg, ¾ cup orange juice, ¼ cup melted butter, and orange zest. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
The fragrance fills your home like frankincense — a reminder that worship rises to God like a pleasing aroma.
Talk about it: “How can our words, prayers, and actions be like a sweet fragrance to God this week?”
