Caring for Our Gifts

January 1, 2023 by Kimberly Orr, Publisher of The Upper Room

When [the magi] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

— Matthew 2:10-11 (NRSV)

The climactic scene of the magi story is when the travelers kneel before Jesus in worship and present their gifts. Many sermons have been preached and many texts have been written on the identity of the magi and the possible meanings of the gifts. But I want to invite us to focus on the simple fact that the gifts made it to the little house in Bethlehem whole and intact. This feat wasn’t an accident. It surely took planning and care to protect the valuable gifts throughout the long journey.

During the season of Epiphany, we celebrate not only the gifts of the magi but also the gifts of the Holy Spirit among the people of God. These are gifts for the building up of the body of Christ and for the gospel work of restoration and reconciliation in our world. Every follower of Christ has been endowed with gifts and abilities that we are called to nurture, protect, and use as we present ourselves as living sacrifices to God (see Rom. 12:1). During this season may God “fully satisfy every need of yours according to [God’s] riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).


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The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

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