Worldwide Christmas December 27, 2025 Devotional

MATTHEW 2:10-11 | ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ 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.

Some things in life deserve our approval. Some entertainers or athletes merit our applause. Some of our fellow human beings live lives that rightly command our respect and admiration.

But only God can call forth our true worship and adoration. The wise men were wise to follow the star, to give gifts to the holy family, to resist Herod’s manipulation. But the wisest thing about the wise men was their joy! They paid Jesus homage.

Wise people know what is valuable, true, and beautiful. For those men from the east, the story of their encounter with Jesus, that first Christmas, wasn't merely cute or sentimental. It made them kneel in awe, wonder, and praise right in the middle of a muddy stable. Approving of God and respecting religion isn’t enough. A wise person knows what is ultimately precious and celebrates it without reserve.

Are you wise in this sense?

Gracious God,

We surrender to joy today. We celebrate the worth and wonder of Your Son, our Savior.

Amen.