The GIFT of JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Slowly drink in the JOY of the Lord this morning instead of panicking about all you still have to do before Christmas Day!

            Many of us still have gifts to buy, parties to attend and Christmas baking to do…If we’re not careful, we’ll lose our joy.  The important thing is that we stay focused on WHY we’re celebrating the season….and we know that JESUS is that reason!  So today, instead of stressing over the gifts we’ve not yet bought or wrapped, let’s talk about the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus.

            Matthew 2:11 says: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

My Bible footnote explains: The Magi gave these expensive gifts because they were worthy presents for a future king.  These gifts are symbolic of Christ’s identity and what he would accomplish.  Gold was a gift for a king; frankincense, a gift for deity; myrrh, a spice for a person who was going to die.

The Magi brought gifts and worshipped Jesus for who he was.  This is the essence of true worship---honoring Christ for who he is and being willing to give him what is valuable to you.

            As Christmas approaches, why don’t we find our special way of giving to Christ?  It doesn’t have to be gold or frankincense or myrrh…..  It could be your time, your service, your love.  I believe that the best Christmas gift you could give to Jesus would be to JOYfully give Him “YOURSELF”. 

            Wrap yourself with  His love and give your heart to Christ!