Ever wonder what would possess these strange figures called the Wise Men to traverse the countryside to bring gifts to a king that wasn’t really theirs by law? The Magi give us an answer right in the words of their question to Herod and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. “For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” It was the star that pointed to the giving of the single greatest gift God has given to humanity.

The Wise Men didn’t come because of a feeling in their gut. They didn’t saddle up their camels because they got an invitation in the mail nor did they see a Facebook notification or Snapchat. It was the star that told them! Creation talks about the glory of God. This is exactly what the psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1–2).

If the heavens can declare the handiwork of God because He made them, how about the simple gifts that the Lord has given you? The answer is yes! How one stewards the simple gifts our Lord bestows answers the question, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” When we are intentional in our stewardship of all God has given for the sake of the kingdom of God, we are pointing those around us to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Himself. However, if we claim ownership of God’s creation, we are claiming to be the king. Not only is this foolishness, it is idolatry!

Today, reflect on the way you manage the simple gifts our Lord has given you. Are you using them in a manner which, like the star of Bethlehem, points people to Jesus? If not, ask the Lord to forgive you and point you to the One who is born King of the Jews … for He is your king!

_{©2019 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used with permission.}