Day 9: Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
The birth of Jesus was nondescript. An overcrowded village for a government census meant there would be no rooms for stay. Jesus was born and placed in a manger, for there was no place for the family in a guest room. But that unremarkable birth was accompanied by a remarkable sign: a light in the sky, a star. After His birth, wise men (astrologers) from the east followed the star and ultimately came to Jesus bearing gifts. The nations, and kings, were attending to the brightness of His rising. They offered costly gifts: gold, frankincense (see Isaiah 60:6), and myrrh, all recorded in Matthew 2. A newborn baby receiving the worship of nations and gifts.
It is common to give gifts at Christmas, showing love to others. Gifting also presents an opportunity to worship Christ through giving toward His kingdom and purpose. How can you gift this Christmas specifically to honor the Lord and support His mission?