Thursday March 7

Matthew 2:1-12

Dave Risinger

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

The wise men were the lucky ones! They heard of the birth of Jesus and were given the opportunity to visit and honor him and personally give him gifts! It would have been great to be part of that travel group -they were the lucky ones!

Today we are the lucky ones! We have the ability to have similar experiences to the ones enjoyed by the three wise men.

We cannot visit Jesus in person but we can visit him any time, any day in our thoughts and prayers. Simply having a personal one on one conversation with God is something God would look forward to every day.

Gold Frankincense and myrrh were fantastic gifts 2000 years ago.  Today we have many choices of gifts to give offer God. We can give our time and talents used to benefit our neighbors, volunteering with a charitable organization, or random acts of kindness to strangers, family members, and co-workers.  Each of these gifts brings honor and joy to our God.

Questions for reflection:

• God has given you many gifts – make a list of these gifts and give thanks!  When was the last time you simply told God you are thankful? Do it now!

• What gifts have you given to God lately? What gift to you hope to give in the week ahead?

Prayer:

Thank you God for the gift of life and the ability to do good for others.  Amen.