December 23

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

Their journey is at an end. They have come such a long distance, and now they are presented with such a gift even they were not totally aware of its full impact. Yes, they brought gifts to give, but they received the gift of a lifetime! How often have we missed the fact that these wise men were Gentiles? They didn’t come from the chosen people. They didn’t have the history of the children of Israel. But still they came. Even at His birth, our God was calling to people of all nations. He called to them in a way that they would understand. Through a star. And do you hear Him calling you? He’s still calling to all peoples of all nations. “Come and worship the King, come and bow down before Him. Come, and I will bless you, My child.”

Oh Father, how You have blessed me with Your presence. I cannot give You enough praise; I cannot give You enough love for what You have done for me. May I always bring glory to You! Amen.

Twenty-Third-Day Activities

Treasure chests are every boy’s joy. And the girls love them too! Maybe you can find a box that you and your children can decorate into a chest. Decorate with whatever you might have on hand. Let your children color it or paint it. Then go around the house and find treasures to place in it. Talk with your children about treasures and what makes something a treasure. Let them know that the treasure of their life is Jesus Christ.

You might also decide to make your treasure chest into something to give to someone. Maybe you could encourage your children to place in it something that another child might like and then give it to that child. If you don’t know anyone in need, there are always shelters to help you find a family in need. 

Mary and Joseph are finally in Bethlehem. It was about a hundred-mile journey. They have possibly been on the road for two weeks or more. They are tired, in need of baths, and in need of a place to stay. Today they have chosen your stable. Make them comfortable inside. Place their donkey alongside the cow. The angel that has accompanied them on their journey will also rest this night.