Almost every nativity scene includes three wise men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But what's the real story behind these characters? Were they actually there at the scene in the stable? Where were they from? Why did they come? In taking time to consider the place of the Magi in the biblical storyline we can learn a surprising amount about how our own hearts respond to the news of the gospel, and we find a picture of the kind of lives we are called to live in worship of the one true King of the Jews.

Application Questions

1. What does it look like when you respond to the good news of Jesus with self-preservation, trying to preserve your own plans and retain your own control of your life?
2. What does it look like when you respond to the good news of Jesus with generosity and love, trying to love others with the same kind of love that God has shown you?
3. What are some New Year's resolutions you could make that would makeotherslives better, instead of just your own?