During our candlelight service, Pastor Léveillé shared a message from Matthew chapter 2, focusing on the visit of the wise men and the profound truth at the heart of the Christmas story. While we often hear the account from Luke’s Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus’ humanity as the Son of Man, Matthew presents Him as the King of the Jews. The arrival of these dignified visitors from the east highlights not only their costly gifts but, more importantly, the incomparable gift God gave to the world through His Son.
Pastor Léveillé began by reminding us that the traditional Christmas scene has sometimes been softened or embellished over time. Mary and Joseph did not go door-to-door looking for a room at a modern inn. In first-century Jewish homes, the “inn” referred to the guest room on the upper level. With family arriving from everywhere for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, the guest room was already full. No one particularly wants a newborn in the main living area, so Jesus entered the world in the lower section of the house, where animals were brought in at night, the equivalent of a garage or stable.
Yet into this humble setting came distinguished wise men from the east, guided by a star, seeking the one born King of the Jews. Matthew 2:1-12 (KJV) records the familiar yet powerful account:
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Offered True Worship
The wise men brought treasures fit for a king: gold symbolising His royalty, frankincense pointing to His worthiness of worship, and myrrh foreshadowing His suffering and death. These were costly, meaningful gifts, yet the pastor emphasised that their greatest offering was not the gold, frankincense, or myrrh strapped to their camels. Before they opened their treasures, they fell down and worshipped Him.
True worship recognizes who Jesus really is: the King of kings and Lord of lords. Their hearts bowed in humility long before their hands presented material gifts. The pastor noted that worship without gold would have been far better than gold without worship. God desires the posture of our hearts above anything we might bring in our hands.
Receiving the Gift of Redemption
History records extravagant human gifts: the Taj Mahal, billion-dollar residences, priceless jewels, and luxury yachts. Impressive as these are, none compare to the gift God gave in sending His Son. The wise men travelled far to present treasures to the child, but God presented the child to the entire world.
John 3:16 (KJV) captures the magnitude of this gift: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus was given not merely to receive worship but to live a sinless life, die on the cross in our place, and rise victorious, offering redemption to all.
Second Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) declares, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” No human language can fully describe its scope or preciousness.
Putting the Gift to Use
A gift, no matter how valuable, must be received and used to benefit the recipient. The pastor illustrated this with the familiar example of gift cards. Billions are spent each Christmas, yet many remain unused, forgotten in drawers, or lost entirely. In the same way, the greatest tragedy would be for God’s unspeakable gift to go unused in our lives.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) explains how we receive and use this gift: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation is not earned by good deeds or religious effort. It is received by admitting we are sinners, turning from sin, and placing full trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) promises, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Anyone who calls upon Jesus in genuine faith receives forgiveness and eternal life.
As we reflect on the wise men kneeling before the young child, may we too bow our hearts in worship and personally receive God’s greatest gift. Jesus came for you, for me, for every nation. This Christmas, ensure that the gift lying in the manger becomes the Saviour living in your heart.
