Bright Hearts

On this precious day, I know that it is used by many believers to celebrate with family, several who have not seen each other for years. Where we live, there is a very special gift giving time, where one of the Radio Stations brings home a family member who has not been home, since they went abroad, to reside in a different country. It is always a blessing to my heart to listen to grateful, happy, rejoicing voices, saying thanks. However, this always tears me up, when I hear the voices of some very well-advanced in age people, speaking of not being home for Christmas in twenty, thirty and more years.

This gift of giving marks much of what the meaning of Boxing Day represents. Although stories vary in form, one thing remains constant, it was a time to give gifts to the poor. One bit of history dates back to the times when people had servants, who had to work for them on Christmas Day. Their masters and mistresses would give the servants boxes of goodies on the day after Christmas, and allow them to go home, with those gift boxes, to their respective families.

This after Christmas Day giving of gifts, reminds us of the giving of some men from far away, who brought gifts to offer the Christ Child. I have simply referred to this event, as the, After Advent, giving of gifts.

Who are they with the bright hearts? And how were these hearts bright? We look at how the Magi were bright in worship, wisdom and wealth. Often referred to as the Wise Men, we note how these scholars, people who have been studying the scriptures and prophecies, have travelled a very long way, from the East to the West. Why have they done this? They have made this long, far journey, because they have observed the sign of the risen star, indicating the birth of a king. These Wise Men or Magi, arrive in Jerusalem with one mission, to worship Jesus. Listen to their words. Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Matthew 2: 2b

Note the wisdom of these bright minds, as they depended on the leadership provided by Almighty God to the way of His Son. We know that these men did not depend on their wisdom to lead them, but their humility and surrender in following the one star that would lead them to Jesus. It is evident that these bright minds, were men of considerable wealth as their gifts were by no means modest. They gave of their wealth to Jesus, as expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were boxed and given to the Christ Child. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2: 11.

Jesus was by now a young Child, no longer a Baby, indicating that this, ‘After Advent’ giving is most appreciated, honoured and joyously received. The wealth of our gifts is counted according to the honesty with which we surrender our wills to the Will of our Lord and King. As we celebrate the Brightness of the Gift given to us in Immanuel, may we know hearts made bright, through the Worship, Wisdom and Wealth we offer King Jesus.