“What Can I Give Him?”
Many nativity scenes include three Wise Men (or Magi) accompanied by their camels and bearing extravagant gifts. The Wise Men appear humble, some even bowing near to the place where the Christ Child is resting in a manger. Mary stares in adoration and awe at the holy Newborn, and Joseph stands protectively over her shoulder. A lone brilliant star illuminates the peaceful scene.
While a star did indeed guide the Magi to the place where Jesus was, there’s no record that there were three Wise Men in their party. And scholars who research and study such things disagree on exactly how long it took for them to find the little family, but they do agree that the Wise Men didn’t arrive immediately after the birth. It could’ve been a matter of days or perhaps even years. Their searching only stopped when they were in the presence of the King – Who was quite possibly no longer an infant. But when they did indeed find Him, they lavished Him with precious gifts of great value.
What do you bring to the King this year?
Personally, I, like the Magi, have pursued my King on a long journey, mine lasting 44 years so far. In my mind, I’ve carried treasures in anticipation of the time when I’ll finally be able to lay my gifts at His feet in deepest gratitude. I’ve followed His star intently, longing for that day!
The closer I get to the end of my journey, though, I sometimes look down at the so-called “treasures” I’ve prepared. And hot, heartbroken tears roll down my cheeks. I see the approaching light of His holiness, and the gifts in my hands look cheap and shabby. Who would have the gall to present such rubbish to the High and Holy God?!
I have nothing of value to offer.
After years of travel, I’ll arrive at my promised Home in filthy rags and with hands full of dust.
And suddenly, the truths of Scripture will be breathed to life!
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are freely justified by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
Jesus has known all along! And still He’s chosen to justify me into right standing before the Father. It was never about what I could or couldn’t accomplish. I came to Him to offer gifts of gratitude, and instead He has given me the greatest Gift!
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
The filthy rags of my attempts to please and appease God will be replaced by a robe of righteousness.
“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)
I’ve thought all along that I should arrive at the Kingdom gates with my arms full of offerings. But He only desires one thing from me – and from you:
“What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man,
I would do my part, -
Yet what can I give Him,
Give my heart.”
(Christina Rosetti)
