Virtuous Gifts

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
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.
[Mt 2:10-11]

Close your eyes and imagine with me...

You look up through the crisp night air and you see a brilliant star sparkling bright against the black velvet sky. You've finally reached your destination. Exhausted yet exuberant you approach the home of family unknown to you. You don't know who will greet you at the door. You're not sure of their welcome response. You don't even know what you will say once greeted. You've come to a foreign land to honor a Newborn King of Promise.

Travel back thousands of years to the celebratory visit of the Magi of the East. Their tangible gifts were extravagant. Their sacrificial gifts of worship far more valuable.

Often our response to God's lavish gifts in Christ of salvation and eternal life create in us an intense desire to give in return. (And rightfully so!)

What gift will you bring to the Christ this Christmas?

Now, close your eyes once more and imagine yourself approaching the scene. What gift shall you offer?

It need not be elaborate. Consider simply bringing a gift of Christian virtues:

Giving
.....Give God a gift of praise. Give to others, in the name of Jesus,
.....a gift of thanks, joy, encouragement. Give of your time,
.....talents, resources.

Purity
.....Determine to live holy lives. Have pure motives,
.....use pure speech,choose actions of purity.

Servitude
.....Give yourself away to Jesus. This is ultimate treasure.
.....Give Jesus away to others. Servitude is the Great Giveaway.
.....Serve others in the Blessed Name of Jesus.

A suggested three merely a primer for your imagination, an idea-starter to consider other ways you can wrap your heart in adoration to offer to our King.

Lord Jesus; I offer a heart; a hallelujah; and committ to add to these a gift of Christ-like virtues. Amen.

(To view similar posts from my 2008 Christmas Advent series,
click on the links of these related titles)

Gifts For Our King

Gifts ~ God's Instruments of Love