Paying homage to the King

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV)

When we take time to dwell on what Jesus gave up and reflect on what He did for us, the awe and the wonder of it can sink deep into our hearts and stir us to thank Him for the many ways that He has made us His, made us new, made us alive.

The poor can relate to how Jesus was born under very poor circumstances. They see a God who understands them, who—even though He is the King of the universe—came in human flesh to their weary, pain-filled world because He loves and cares. Those of us who are more fortunate can relate as well. The wise men were also welcomed by the Christ Child, as God opens His arms to all who will come.

Everyone involved in that first Christmas was brought to our Lord’s side through supernatural signs orchestrated from heaven. Even though the wise men likely weren’t there at the same time as the shepherds, including them in the manger scene is a beautiful symbolism of everyone, rich and poor, paying homage to the King of the universe.

This baby, who people at the time would have known as simply Mary’s firstborn son, was in fact God incarnate, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He came to earth to be a strength to the poor, a help to the needy and distressed, and a refuge from the storm. Our Deliverer, our Refuge and our God. [1]

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. - George MacDonald (1824–1905)

[1] Activated Christmas Reflections