⁹ After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  ¹¹ After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Upon finding the Child, their audience with Him had an immediate effect. They fell, they worshiped. Literally, from its etymological roots, the word “worship” means, “to kiss towards.” Their affection was singular, and all else lost focus as He came into view. Their worship was also tangible, however, as they laid before Him the three gifts well rehearsed in many Sunday Schools and in song: gold, frankincense and myrrh. (The popular notion that there were “three kings” comes not from scripture, but from the often sung Christmas carol, possibly reflecting the number of gifts presented).

As the Lord guided the magi by means of pagan astrological studies, celestial signs, prophetic interpretations and a Roman governor’s jealousy, He also guided them through direct intervention in a dream. He warned them to ignore Herod’s request to report back to him. God’s heart always turns specially toward those who worship and honor His Son.

Lord, may our worship of Your Son not just be in word or outward religious form, but may it involve our whole selves, including our possessions!