READ: PSALM 29:2; MATTHEW 2:1-12; JOHN 4:23-24

Today, many Christians celebrate Epiphany by remembering how the magi followed a star and traveled to Bethlehem to see Jesus. In many ways, the magi are a unique part of the Christmas story. First, they were probably the richest people to visit Jesus. Second, they likely saw Jesus when He was around two years old instead of a newborn. Third, they weren’t Jews. They were from the east—some speculate the Persian area (where Iran and Iraq are now). And fourth, unlike the other visitors, they presented Jesus with gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But the magi didn’t just visit Jesus to give Him gifts. They came expressly to worship Him, referring to Him as the “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). Somehow, they knew that the unusual star they saw announced the birth of a king, and their immediate reaction was to find Him so they could worship Him. The word worship means reverent love and devotion, ardent admiration, or adoration. All this for a king who was born in a land far from their own!

Notice the magi first worshipped Jesus, then presented their material gifts. They did things in the right order. Jesus desires our worship more than the money we give or how much time we spend caroling at nursing homes. These are all good things, but He’s more concerned with our love for Him than any of the good works we do (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

The hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” says again and again, “O come, let us adore Him.” Like this song proclaims, may the story of Jesus inspire reverent love and devotion in us. May we ponder the fact that God the Son willingly became human and was born as a baby, that He lived the life of a wandering preacher, that He let Himself be put to death when He had done nothing wrong, and that He came back from the dead as the Risen Savior, ascended into heaven, and promised to return one day and renew the heavens and the earth. May we celebrate and give thanks for God’s love. May we worship Him as the King of kings (Revelation 17:14). After all, no other god stepped down from His throne, gave up His life, and loved us with such abandon. As we remember all Jesus did for us, may we first respond in love, devotion, and adoration. And may our love then overflow in gifts of service to God and to His people. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Consider taking some time to express your love, adoration, and thankfulness to Jesus in worship.

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 2:11 (NLT)