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.” — Matthew 2:11
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
Devotional:
By the time the wise men found Him, the night sky was still. The star that had led them so far now rested above a humble home — no palace, no fanfare, only quiet. And inside, a young mother, a tired carpenter, and a child who carried eternity in His eyes.
They had traveled hundreds of miles, crossing deserts and kingdoms, following light through darkness — not knowing exactly where it would lead, only who it would lead them to. And when they saw Him, they didn’t speak. They fell.
These men of wisdom, wealth, and rank lowered themselves to the dirt before a toddler. Because love will make you kneel.
They opened their chests of treasure — gold for a King, frankincense for a God, myrrh for a Savior who would one day die. But before they gave those things, they gave something greater: their hearts. Their worship was more costly than their gifts.
When John wrote, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” this was the rhythm he meant — love that doesn’t hold back, love that crosses distances, love that gives what it treasures most.
That’s what Christmas has always been about: the God who gives first.
And when we truly see Him — when we realize how far His love came for us — generosity becomes our natural language.
So this week, maybe your offering isn’t wrapped in gold but in grace — a listening ear, an apology, an act of kindness. Maybe the most beautiful gift you can give is your worship, your time, your “yes.”
Because love that has been found will always find a way to give.
Application:
What could generosity look like for you this week — not out of pressure, but out of love? How might you give back to the One who gave everything?
Prayer:
Jesus, You gave Yourself freely. You held nothing back. Teach me to love like that — with open hands and a willing heart. Let every gift I give point back to You, the greatest Giver. Amen.
Family Advent Activities
1. “Follow the Star" Giving Jars
Place three empty jars on your counter labeled “Time,” “Words,” and “Kindness.” Each day this week, family members fill the jars — a note describing something they’ll give: an hour spent helping, an encouraging word, a kind act. On Christmas Eve, read them together as a family offering to Jesus.
2. “Journey Map” Art
On a piece of paper, draw your family’s own “journey to Jesus.” Start at one corner with a star, and along the path, write prayers, answered hopes, or ways you’ve seen God’s love this year. End by drawing the manger and writing, “Love That Gives.”
Recipe Options:
1. Star Path Pastries
Use crescent roll dough, twist into star shapes, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. As they bake, talk about how God led the wise men — and how His love still leads our steps today.
2. “Gifts of the Heart" Cocoa Bombs
Fill hollow chocolate spheres with cocoa powder and tiny marshmallows. Seal and wrap them in foil labeled “gold,” “frankincense,” and “myrrh.” Drop one in warm milk and watch it burst open.
As you sip, remember how love gives — and melts open for others to taste its sweetness.
