ADVENT DEVOTIONS FOR FAMILY AND PERSONAL WORSHIP

Saturday, December 13 Read Matthew 2:11

Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Advent reminds us that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. God loved and gave! It has also been suggested that the tradition of giving presents at Christmas finds its root in the example of the Magi in this verse. Maybe it does. Unfortunately, we have shifted the gift giving to each other rather than to the One whom we worship.

You have the privilege of being a gift giver all year long. At Christmas, this privilege is underscored. Gifts to missions enable the gospel to spread. Gifts to a Crisis Pregnancy Center enable the message of hope to be given to those who may be experiencing what seems like a hopeless dilemma.

Gifts to the poor may provide opportunities for spiritual needs to be met as physical needs are addressed. Worship is giving. As you celebrate advent this year, do so with a gift fit for a King.