Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. “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, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

As you read this scene, what did you notice? The house, the child, His mother, the kings, the gifts? Where was your attention drawn? This extraordinary history only appears in Matthew’s gospel. How does it speak to you? Is there a single word you read in this passage that, for you, describes what God is up to?

Today’s gospel recounts an extraordinary visit! Kings, wise men, magi from the east—traditionally, three of them—each bowed down, bringing precious and expensive treasures for the newborn child delivered to His mother Mary.

Take a moment or two to imagine being with Mary and the baby. Take a moment to stay with a part of the scene, recalling the words or images. Let your attention settle on Jesus as a little child. As you consider baby Jesus in this passage, what do you feel? How do you react to Him?

Putting aside, for a moment, your pride and any sense of self-importance you may have, place yourself humbly into the hands of your God, the God who knows all your faults and failings and loves you still.

This is the historic coming of God in the person of His Son. This little child is the incarnation of God, the fulfilment of the promises in the Old Testament. Alleluia. He is bringing the presence of the kingdom of God. Not a kingdom of dominion but a kingdom of love, grace and justice.

Now read the passage once more. Does anything new stand out to you this time? Take a few moments now to join the scene of adoration, to bow down and worship Him now, as the three kings from the east did. Jesus came as a little baby but now is the risen Lord of lords. God the Father gave Him the maximum honour, the name that is above all names. What does it look like for you to honour Him in your life?

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9).

You might feel prompted to speak about this story in the coming days to your family, friends or a neighbour—or perhaps there’s something else on your mind and heart about the core celebration of Christmas, Jesus. Finally, look back over the feelings and moods that you have experienced during these moments and try to turn them into a prayer to God. Into praise to God. Here is one from my context that I find particularly meaningful:

From all tribes, peoples, and races, many will come to praise You.
From so many cultures, languages, and nations
In time and space they will come to worship You

Blessed be always the Lamb, Son of God, root of David.
Blessed be Your Holy Name, Christ Jesus, present here.

Redeemed, bought, great multitude, many will come to praise You.
Chosen people, Your kingdom and nation,
In time and space they will come to worship You

And to us, it is only fitting to dedicate everything, a sweet offering to the Lord
We want to consecrate gifts and talents and life on Your altar, for Your praise

— Guilherme Kerr Neto / Jorge Camargo