Click Play to View Video
Once again, cozy up by the fire, grab a cup of hot cocoa, remember your beautiful tree that used to be housed in that empty-looking corner now, and let’s begin.
Read Matthew 2:1-12.
The story of the Wise Men is more than a fanciful tradition of three kings visiting the baby Jesus. This account is one filled with deep spiritual truths that can serve as a catalyst to keep us filled with awe and worship throughout our lives.
First of all, for the sake of being correct, we don’t really know how many Wise Men actually made the trip in search of the newborn king, nor do we know the exact timing of it all. What wedo know is that they did come, and when they did, they came with Wonder-Filled hearts ready for worship.
Matthew 2:1-2 - A Wonder-Filled heart anticipates Jesus.
“For we saw his star ...” This tells me that they must have been looking for it and anticipating its coming. And they must have known that the star represented the coming of the king of the Jews.
These men were wise, indeed. They were longing for this star. They gazed at the heavens expectantly. They were looking for and anticipating Jesus.
- Do you long for a glimpse of Jesus in your daily life?
- Do you anticipate His arrival in all of your situations?
The Wise Men did anticipate His arrival ... and guess what? They found Him, and we can too! As we go about our day-to-day activities, we can and should anticipate His coming. Rather than living in doubt, fear, and negativity, we can make the wise choice and decide to look for His coming in our situation. This fills us with hope and gives us a strong basis for belief and trust in God’s good and loving provision in any situation.
Matthew 2:9-10 - A Wonder-Filled heart rejoices with Jesus.
When these Wise Men saw that the star came to rest where Jesus was, they were filled with exceeding joy! They weren’t rejoicing in the star or in the situation, they were rejoicing in Jesus and His awesome presence! They had found the King they had been searching for! They were in His presence and there was fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
You and I don’t have to follow a star in search of Jesus. As His daughters, we have complete access to His presence daily because His Spirit dwells in us. We should go around shining like bright stars, illuminating a lost and dying world! When others are in our presence, they should sense God’s presence and as a result, they should rejoice with exceedingly great joy (not because of us, but because of Jesus’ presence alive in us!).
We aren’t joy-seekers; we are ambassadors of joy. We are likened to the star because we point others to the great joy found only in Jesus’ presence.
- Have you ever thought of yourself as a star? Do you point others to Jesus?
- Does this bring you great joy?
- How does this knowledge affect your demeanor and countenance?
- Are you so filled with wonder that joy overflows in you? If not, why not?
Matthew 2:11a - A Wonder-Filled heart worships Jesus.
“... and they fell down and worshiped him.” I love that statement. The Wise Men had traveled so long and far. Yet when they saw Jesus, they didn’t come to Him complaining about how difficult their journey had been. They didn’t ask Him to heal their tired and aching bones. They didn’t ask for a chair or a drink or some food. They fell to their knees and worshiped Him.
- What is your response when you come to Jesus?
- He desires that we come to Him with our troubles, but shouldn’t our initial response to Him always be worship?
Matthew 2:11b-12 - A Wonder-Filled heart gives its treasures to Jesus.
“... they offered him gold and frankincense and myrrh.” The Wise Men brought Jesus treasures. Because of His righteousness, they wanted to honor Him. We too want to honor Jesus by bringing our treasures to Him. We do this by offering Him all that we have - ourselves. Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to Him. What do you most treasure? Is it your time, your abilities, your obedience, your will, your belief, hopes, dreams? These are all “treasures” to us because they are personal and cost us something of ourselves.
- Is there some particular “treasure” the Spirit is prompting you to give?
- Will you offer it to Jesus and stand amazed in wonder as He receives your treasure and uses it for His glory?
The Magi were certainly wise in their ways. Their story offers us many truths and helps us become wise, wonder-filled women who love and worship the baby Jesus from the manger, to the cross, and for all eternity.
PS - Don’t forget your Wonder-Filled challenge this week. Remember to set aside 3-5 minutes every day to just worship. Sing a praise song, shout out words of praise and adoration, read Scripture back to God, speak the attributes or names of God aloud. Worship God each day in some way and see if it makes you wonder-filled. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and blessed by this simple exercise of intentional worship. Have a wonder-filled week!
Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry,
Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church.
Visit her blog for more encouragement.
