Day 12

Read: 

Isaiah 60:5

Dig Deeper:

Everyone loves gifts at Christmas time. We make lists. We place orders. Some of us search for the perfect gift for weeks. Others are last minute shoppers. Either way, gifts are a huge part of the season. I've heard some families say that they don't exchange gifts at Christmas time because they want a more Biblical Christmas. I think that's a false dichotomy, and the reason why is found in today's verse. Isaiah actually shares a prophecy about gifts, and it directly relates to the Nativity!

A star appeared in the sky around the time when Jesus was born. At that time, there were men called "Magi", they were considered experts in philosophy and the sciences (especially astronomy). They played the role of advisor to kings, and were often considered "king makers" because of their highly respected status. When these astronomers saw the star appear, they decided to follow it to find the promised Messiah. It was time for them to honor a new kind of king--one that would not only save the Jews, but also the entire world.

When they found Him, they honored Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They looked at this small child who belonged to a poor family and said that He was a powerful king. As powerful men from a foreign nation, they were crowning Jesus not just King of Jews, but as King of all nations.

Traveling back in time, on the night of Jesus' birth, angels joined in the holy celebration, declaring Him as a mighty king too. We find them in Luke 2 stating that Jesus is Lord. In so doing, we find Jesus to be crowned not just the King of All Nations on Earth, but also the King of Heaven!

As you celebrate and exchange gifts this Christmas, don't forget to remember the reason why we give gifts in the first place. It's to honor the greatest gift we've ever received--the King of Heaven and Earth incarnate. How wonderful it truly is that our King has come!

Declaration: Say this next statement out loud as a declaration of what you have learned today.

Jesus is the King of Heaven and Earth, the greatest gift we'll ever receive.

Pray:

God, thank You for the gift of Jesus. He is the King of Heaven, Earth, and the King of my heart too. Help me to live in the wonder of that today and every day. And, help me to share that hope and wonder with others. Amen.