Читать книгу Heart & Home for Christmas - Victoria Duerstock - Страница 31

GOLD, FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH

“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.

Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

matthew 2:11 (esv)

The precious and valuable treasures brought from distant lands by the wise men remind us who the Christ child really was. The seekers from the Orient spent great time and energy—not to mention resources—to find these gifts. At their first meeting with King Herod, they told him that this babe was born the King of the Jews.

How did these wise men know that Jesus’ birth was remarkable and wonderful? While it’s possible that the Jewish nation influenced these wise men before the Captivity, it’s more likely that this generation of wise men was influenced by the Jews who arrived during the Babylonian Captivity. Although facing consequences for their sinful behaviors and now living far from home, the children of Israel still worshipped, prayed, and lived out their faith among strangers, much as many of us live out our lives today. Because of this faithful witness, the teachings were passed from generation to generation. The wise men made a long journey over four hundred years later to see with their eyes what they believed in faith. May we all have a faithful witness that will be shared in this same way!

Lord, I pray that You’ll remind me to be faithful to proclaim

the Good News to those You surround me with even today.