Today’s scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
So what was the best gift you received this Christmas? My favorite gift, hands down, has to be my new “Mickey Mouse” watch that my youngest gave me. Try to picture it in your mind. . . It has a gray and blue band with racing numbers, a moon shaped bubble that covers the watch face, and numbers so tiny, even the strongest of bifocals can’t seem to help me read.
I’ll be honest — the watch really isn’t one I would have picked out. It isn’t my style or color, and is probably more suited for someone who’s grade school age. But it’s my favorite gift because of the “how” and “who” that gave it to me.
Christmas morning, in the midst of utter “present” chaos, my youngest stopped everything and with a gleam in her eye and strength in her voice declared, “This gift is for Little Mom!” She brought to me a small “child wrapped” Christmas present. As I opened the gift I remember thinking that the real gift was in watching her give the gift with such pride and joy.
I am thinking a bit differently these days about gifts. I am remembering that old saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” I guess this Christmas, those words really meant something special to me. The fact that my youngest had spent so much time picking out, wrapping, and presenting this gift meant everything to me. It wouldn’t have mattered whether it was diamonds or dust in the package. It would have still been my favorite.
I’m sure there were gifts that would have been more practical for the baby Jesus. What is a baby supposed to do with gold, frankincense and myrrh? It wasn’t really the gifts the wise men brought that stand out to me today. It is the fact that these important guys took time out of their lives to find Jesus and bring him the best they could offer.
Thought for the day: What do you have, that you haven’t offered to God, because you thought it wasn’t “good enough?” Is the real value in the gift, or in the act of giving?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.