01.03.05. THIRD THURSDAY OF ADVENT

THIRD THURSDAY OF ADVENT Read Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of 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 foreign missions enable the gospel to spread. Gifts to the 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.

We call our thanks to God "worship" when in reality, it is only a portion of worship. While considering the season, try worshiping the Savior, not just the things the Savior has done.

Advent is a time for adoration. Write a prayer today completing this sentence: "Jesus, I love you because..." Try to leave out your thanks for the things He has done for you, and worship Him because of who He is.