Christmas Encounter

"When they had come into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts - gold and frankencense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11 - Amplified)

"Our frequent note of their gifts might overlook the most notable fact about them. Before mentioning their gifts, the Bible says that when they saw Jesus, they "fell down and worshiped Him." It is after that that they "opened their treasures."

When the precise wording is read and the sequence studied, falling down, worshiping, giving, you wonder what really happened? This was no casual issue, not was it merely a pageant-like, formal moment. These men were overwhelmed, doubtless encountering a presence they did not expect.

May that same presence overwhelm us this Christmastime." - Jack Hayford

I would ask, is the "present" you desire for Christmas the "presence" of Christ? Do you desire an encounter of His presence, an encounter that would bring you to your knees in worship? Do you sense His presence in the various Christmas services? Do you sense His presence when you home alone? Are you then giving your gift? The gift of your whole heart and life to this One Who has given all for you? Are you giving a gift of yourself that reaches out to others in sharing His love, His mercy, His grace, His presence?

Yes, have you been overwhelmed this Christmas?