|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "We're Marching To Zion"1 (Lyrics) |
Epiphany is observed on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas, to remember the Magi who came looking for King Jesus to worship Him following His divine birth.
Matthew 2:1-2 – After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "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." (NIV)
The Magi brought Him three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They were willing to risk their lives to honour Jesus.
Before Jesus came to earth, people's sins were forgiven through animal sacrifices. But now, because of Jesus' death on the cross, we don't have to kill animals to be forgiven or to honour and please God. But we are urged "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1 NRSV).
Being a living sacrifice involves giving our lives — our hearts, our minds, and willpower — to God. To be a living sacrifice means obedient service to God — our reasonable service. It is reasonable, sensible, and intelligent because of what Jesus has done for us.
As we celebrate the new year, let us ask ourselves, "What gifts will I bring to King Jesus this year?"
Will you give Jesus your heart? (If you've never done so, you can do it right now by admitting that you have sinned and need Jesus to save you and forgive you.)
Will you give Jesus your mind? (You can do so by reading His Word every day and thinking about those things that please God.)
Will you give Jesus your willpower? (You can do so by asking Him to transform your will to be like His.)
Will you give Jesus your treasures? (You can do so by giving your gifts of money and talent to furthering His kingdom.)
A follower of Jesus Christ should be able to answer this question: How will I serve others in the name of Jesus Christ this coming year?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to earth as a baby and becoming a man. Thank You for going to the cross to be the sacrifice to make us right with God. Help us in this new year to be living sacrifices for You in all the things that we say and do. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Monday, May 29, 2023 – In Guelph, Onrtario — Give thanks for 10 years of ministry at Two Rivers Church in Guelph, Ontario. Pray that the congregation, meeting in living rooms, continues to grow in outreach to their community with the transforming love of Christ.
cancer: "May 27, 2023. Please pray fervently for my friend who has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer..." 
Pregnant daughter so very sick!: "May 26, 2023. Please pray for my daughter AD, who is having her first baby at 36 years old. She is..." 
May it be so, Sarah.
Excellent challenge, Sarah!
Like the idea of what gifts will I give HIM this year.
Thanks for a good word today Sarah.
Blessings.
Thank you, Sarah, for your thoughtful devotion.
(Texas)
You have stated what it is to be a Christian in such simple terms, everyone can understand it.
Thank you, Sarah.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you, I found this very interesting and so, so true. Thanks again.
God bless.
Hi Sarah,
I enjoyed your most meaningful message this morning. What will we bring to Jesus this year is a “Great” question! One definitely worth prayerfully pondering. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the challenges for the new year. I thought of how we also read in Proverbs 23 that we need to apply our heart to instruction and verse 26 concludes, “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” I like the idea of reading a Proverb every day according to the day. Also, thank for remembering Psalm 19 in your prayer.
Hi Sarah,
Read your devotional this afternoon. I have some frankincense which I brought from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman when I worked there many years ago. The person in the shop where I bought it, a Muslim, told me that he was sure that the Magi, at least some of them, came from Oman.
Their frankincense was and is still harvested. It is very expenses to buy, even now and would have been of great value at the time of the birth of Jesus.
Thank you for writing.
Blessings.
Hello Sarah,
Read your devotional today.
Epiphany is observed on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas, to remember the Magi who came looking for King Jesus to worship Him following His divine birth.
All too many people believe from viewing the manger scenes that the wise men came to give their gifts to Jesus at the manger, not so.
Thank you for a well thought out, well written devotional. May God continue to bless you and make you a blessing.
Thanks for blessing us this day.
(Ontario, Canada, and Florida)
You touched so many points to consider. I heard someone say that it’s one thing to lay down our lives on the altar, it’s another not to climb off.
Blessings in the new year.