Pause

Advent — your Savior comes. Never lose the wonder. He waits with joyful anticipation, longing for close communion. What does it mean to let Him in today?

Breathe deeply of the mystery that you are chosen… beloved.

Ponder

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

My love language is gifts, which according to author Gary Smalley means that while some people need encouraging words or acts of service, and others need quality time or physical touch to feel loved, all I need you to do is give me a present. (When you add to that the fact that it has to be a surprise, you can see the kind of pressure my husband lives under!)

This probably explains why my favorite part of the Christmas story is when the magi from the east brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child — an act that sparked the centuries-old tradition of giving gifts in celebration of His birth.

As it turns out, the fact that they brought gifts might be the only detail we get right when we include those wise men in our plays or carols or crèches. Scripture never calls them kings, never says there were only three, and never places them at the manger. A star prompted their journey, but nothing suggests they followed it continuously. Their story is wrapped in mystery.

What Scripture does reveal is profound: men from far away traveled long and hard to worship the King of the Jews — and they came bearing gifts. This may be the deepest truth God wants us to draw from their lives. Generosity is at the heart of God’s character. It is His nature to give.

When we give — whether trinkets, time, encouragement, or costly treasures — we become like Him. The Magi remind us that giving is a form of worship, a way to acknowledge Jesus as King.

So as we wrap gifts, tie bows, and enjoy the blessing of giving, let us remember the mystery of those travelers from the East. With every gift exchanged — for someone we love or a stranger in need — let us remember the greatest gift ever given: a life laid down so that we may live.

And in the busyness of final preparations, may we find at least one quiet moment to kneel before our King as the Magi did, offering Him the one gift no one else can bring: the affection and devotion of our own hearts.

Pray

Take a few minutes to kneel before the Lord in your heart. Imagine what it must have been like for the Magi to finally meet the Messiah. See yourself offering Jesus the only gift no one else can give — the affections of your heart.

Know that this brings Him great joy. Rest in the wonder of it.

Practice

Think of someone you might not normally include on your gift list, but whom you would like to honor. Choose a gift that reflects generosity of heart. Pray for the person as you wrap it, and give it with joy — as an act of worship to the One who first gave Himself for you.

Every gift we give echoes the generosity of the King.