Advent: A Weekly DevotionalSample

Love

"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, frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 2:11

We do not know with certainty, but many scholars believe the wise men’s gifts had significant meaning. Gold was typically given to a king, incense (or frankincense) represented God, and myrrh was a spice used for burying someone who died. These 3 gifts may have recognized that Jesus is King, that He is God, and that He was going to die for our sins.

As you consider the great love God has lavished upon you, you may wonder what you can give Him in return. You probably do not have gold, incense, and myrrh to give to Jesus this Christmas. But it is not your gifts He desires—it is your heart. So offer it to Him with love. You might commit to spending 15 minutes each day in prayer or giving up 1 worry that prevents you from fully trusting Him. And as you lay your gift before Jesus, kneel in worship before the One who gave everything for you. He is Immanuel. He is God with you. His love for you knows no end, and He is worthy of your worship!

• What is 1 way God has shown you His great love today? Take a moment to pause each day and thank God for His great love that sent Jesus to earth.

• What is 1 way you can trust more fully in God’s love?