"They saw the child with his mother Mary, bowed down, worshipped him, and then opened their treasurers and presented him with gifts."
- Matthew 2:11
December 26, 2022
1st Day After Christmas
The Ultimate Gift
There are verses in Matthew 1 and 2 that highlight Jesus’ birth. The gifts from the wisemen are emphasized, but sometimes with tainted meaning. Gifts were shared because Jesus was not an ordinary baby, but the King of Kings, and deserving honor. Of the three wisemen, Melchior, brought gold, which symbolized royalty and power. Balthazar brought frankincense, which is a resin from a tree, that is burned for its fragrance during temple worship, to offer worship and respect. Caspar, brought myrrh, whose oil was used for its medicinal properties to promote healing and comfort, and to anoint the dead before burial.
The gifts represented the power, worship and healing that Jesus would bring to the world. Ideally, gifts are given at Christmas to remember and honor Jesus. The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas is not about the materialistic gifts we give, but the gift that God gave us. The ultimate gift is Jesus, and He is worth more than anything in the world.
Trustee Jocelyn Harris
United Voices
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of your son, the light of the world. Instill in us that Christmas is not about the gifts we give, but the gift You gave us. Amen.
Advent 2022
We invite you to join us during the Advent season as we reflect on the virtues of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love; as we anticipate Christ's birth; and prepare our hearts to receive him.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.
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