"We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2

Thought Of The Day...
Imagine what those Magi were thinking as they came to Jerusalem. Looking for a child worthy of worship, they might well have dropped in at the temple to look for clues about the child's identity.
But the Magi would have been disappointed, even shocked, by the welcome they received there. They would have not have been allowed further in than the outer court. Signs on the walls would have told these Gentiles that they risked death if they went any further.
But the Magi had come to worship. And days later, in Bethlehem, as they stepped into the presence of Jesus, they experienced worship in a way that temple visitors could only anticipate. For as the Magi drew near to Jesus, they entered into what was represented by the Most Holy Place in the temple.
The Most Holy Place represented the heavenly throne room of God. Now, coming into the presence of the Christchild, the Magi were entering into the presence of the divine King. In that visit the word of Isaiah 60:3 was finding fulfillment: "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
On this Christmas Day, many of us will gather for worship. As we gather, Christ by his Spirit moves among us. In worship, let us enter the throne room of the King. Today, join the Magi. Join the worship.

Prayer...
Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before you with humble hearts and grateful souls on this glorious Christmas Day. As we celebrate the birth of your beloved Son, we are reminded of the journey of the wise men to find the King of Kings. Just as they traveled from afar to bring gifts and worship Him, we too ask that you bring us closer to Jesus.

Open our hearts and minds to your Spirit, that we may not hold back in our adoration and praise for our Savior. Help us to see beyond the commercialization of this holiday and remember the true reason for this season – the precious gift of your son, Jesus.

May our hearts be filled with reverence and awe as we bow down before Him, offering our gifts of worship and thanksgiving. And just as the wise men honored Jesus, may we also give Him the highest honor as our Lord and Savior.

We thank you, Lord, for the love and salvation that came to us through the birth of Jesus. May we never take this gift for granted, but always remember it with grateful hearts. We pray this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Merry Christmas Everyone, and God Bless.