The birth of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but the fulfillment of God’s promises and the revelation of His glory in human form. Scripture illuminates this miraculous event through prophecy and poetic declarations of reverence, inviting us to respond with gratitude and devotion.
1. The Star and the Scepter: Prophecy Fulfilled
In Numbers 24:17, the prophet Balaam declares,
“A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”
This verse foretells the coming of a King whose rule would shine brightly and bring authority, order, and salvation. The “star” symbolizes divine guidance, pointing to the star that led the Magi to Bethlehem. The “scepter” signifies Jesus’ kingship, not of earthly dominance but of heavenly authority and eternal reign.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the city of David, is the divine fulfillment of this prophecy. He is the bright and morning star who brings hope, light, and redemption to a darkened world.
2. God’s Glory in Human Form
The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate display of God’s glory dwelling among humanity. John 1:14 beautifully declares,
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
In Jesus, the fullness of God’s nature is made manifest. His birth was not merely the arrival of a prophet or teacher; it was the revelation of God Himself stepping into our world. He came to reconcile us to the Father, to heal what was broken, and to restore what was lost.
3. Homage to the King: Gifts and Worship
The psalmist foretells the homage paid to this King in Psalm 72:10-11,
“May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.”
This prophetic picture comes alive in Matthew 2:11 when the wise men from the East fell to their knees before the Christ child. They presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing His kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. These offerings foreshadowed the ultimate gift of Jesus’ life for our redemption.
As they offered their treasures in reverence, we too are called to present our offerings—not of gold or frankincense, but of our very lives.
4. Our Response: Offerings of the Heart
In light of God’s immense gift, we are called to offer Him the treasures of our hearts. These include:
• Gratitude for His unmerited grace and mercy.
• Worship that declares His worth and exalts His name.
• Praise for His faithfulness and goodness.
• Sufferings endured for His glory, trusting in His purpose.
• Work done in obedience and service to His kingdom.
• Needs and desires surrendered to His will.
• Love that flows from a heart transformed by His Spirit.
Our offerings should be sincere, not half-hearted or grudging. Just as the wise men sought Jesus with diligence and gave their best, so should our offerings be marked by earnestness and devotion.
5. A Call to Gratitude
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been given the greatest gift—the Son of God, who took on human form, lived among us, and died to save us. Let us not take this gift for granted. Instead, may our lives reflect our gratitude through daily acts of worship, obedience, and love.
Take time today to thank God for the immense privilege of knowing Him. Reflect on His sacrifice and renew your commitment to live for His glory. Offer Him your heart, your time, your talents, and your trust. Let your life be a living gift, glorifying the King who gave everything for you.
Let us bow before the King of Kings with hearts full of gratitude, joy, and adoration, for unto us a Savior is born, and His name is Jesus Christ.