After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” … On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh – Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11

There are interesting ironies in the story of the wise men.  First, you see powerful men recognizing the power of someone greater, even though that person is only an infant.  They bring with them the greatest gifts they could – presenting them to a child who would prove to be the greatest gift that God could ever give us.  It shows an interesting pattern – we give our gifts, our talents, our very lives to God, and in return He provides us with gifts and blessings that extend beyond our wildest imagination. 

This God-driven act sets a standard that is found in our world in a most interesting place.  Years ago, I attended a Promise Keepers conference.  Of the many things I heard speakers say that day, one thing has stuck into my mind above the others.  The men were challenged to sow every good thing they could into a godly woman.  The reality was this: a man can do all that he can to build her up and to give her good gifts, but everything he does for her will only spur her on to give more back.  In fact, he can sow and sow and sow but he will never give her more than she will give him.  I always found this an interesting premise, and so this Christmas I share it with you, praying that the men who read this will test God in this and see if find it to be true.  If you know this to be true, I would invite you to use the comment box below to share your own experiences in this.  Let your words serve as a testimony to others who may be hesitant or may simply deny God’s role in this area of their lives.

May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and blessings in abundance.