Gift of Heaven: A Christmas Devotional SeriesSample

DAY 8 – God With Us in the Search

The Magi’s journey is remarkable not just for its distance, but for its determination. These foreign scholars, outsiders to Israel’s covenant and culture, read the signs of heaven and followed a star in search of a King. They didn’t fully know where they were going, but they went anyway.

Their pursuit led them not to a palace, but to a child in a modest home. And their response was profound: they bowed low in worship and offered costly gifts.

In contrast, Herod, a king with proximity to the truth, refused to pursue it. Despite the prophecies being read aloud by his own priests, Herod stayed still, paralysed by fear and pride. He represents the spirit of this age in opposition to God: the spirit of control, insecurity, and self-preservation.

The Magi gave. Herod tried to take. One group fell on their knees in worship. The other grasped for power.

This story challenges us: will we worship like the Magi or withhold like Herod?

Prayer

Jesus, I want to pursue You like the Magi, no matter the cost, no matter the unknowns. Help me lay down anything that stands in the way of my worship. Teach me to recognise You even when You show up in unexpected ways.

Practice

Is there something you’ve been holding back from God, your time, your affection, your obedience? Choose one tangible way today to offer that to Him as a gift of worship. Let it be your “gold, frankincense, or myrrh.”