Matthew 2:9-12 (NIV)
9 “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Thought:
all the way through the Nativity story we can see the Holy Spirit at work! Here is no exception. God knew the evil in Herod’s heart and begins by warning the Magi to thwart those plans. Before that they bow and worship the child and bring expensive gifts to Jesus. These gifts were gifts to honour a King! Gold a precious and valuable metal to represent kingship, frankincense an incense to represent the priestly role of Jesus and myrrh used as an anointing oil to represent his death. Although born in an animal shelter, Jesus is recognised as a King by these men. In the midst of humble beginnings there is no doubt as to Jesus’ royalty. Today he is still the King of All Kings. Hallelujah!