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Long before Christmas lists, shopping carts, and wrapping paper, there were gifts given for one reason alone: worship.
Sophia Bricker opens this devotional with the story of Saint Nicholas—a man whose quiet, selfless generosity became the seed of a much later legend. His life reflects the heart of someone whose giving flowed out of devotion to Christ, not cultural expectation.
But even before Nicholas, Scripture gives us another unforgettable picture of joyful generosity: the wise men.
The Magi traveled far, guided by a star and propelled by hope. When they finally reached the child Jesus, they didn’t debate whether the gifts were too costly or wonder if He “needed” them. They simply bowed in awe and opened their treasures.
Their gifts were symbolic—and sincere:
Gold for His kingship.
Frankincense for His priesthood.
Myrrh for His sacrificial death.
But more than symbolism, their offering revealed their hearts. They gave because they loved. They gave because they believed. They gave because worship compelled them.
Jesus later taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Our spending, our giving, our serving—they all reveal what we value most.
For the follower of Christ, generosity is not an obligation. It is an overflow.
Like Saint Nicholas, we feel convicted when our resources center on ourselves. Like the wise men, we long to lay what we have at Jesus’ feet. Like those early givers, our generosity flows from beholding the Savior for who He truly is.
And the way generosity looks will be unique for each of us. Not everyone gives gold or frankincense. Not everyone tosses gifts through windows. But every believer has something to offer—time, talent, resources, compassion, presence, or encouragement.
Generosity begins with worship.
Worship leads to open hands.
Open hands lead to lives that honor Christ.
Bible Reading:
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10–11 (NIV)
Takeaway Truths
The wise men’s gifts were rooted in joyful worship, not duty.
Generosity reveals what we treasure most.
Followers of Christ give from abundance, not scarcity.
True generosity begins with beholding Jesus.
Let’s Pray
Great Savior,
I stand in awe of Your majesty and grace. How incredible it is that You, the King of all creation, entered this world as a humble child and chose to identify Yourself with us. The wise men saw what so many missed—Your worth, Your glory, and Your identity as the promised Messiah.
They bowed in worship and gave freely, not from pressure, but from overflowing joy. Lord, develop in me this same heart of generosity. Help me to use my time, my resources, and my gifts to honor You. Guide my giving so that it reflects trust, gratitude, and devotion.
Everythin