Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4
The Legend of the Poinsettia – Luke 21:1-4 (December 23)
The poinsettia is associated with Christmas because of a legend that originated in Mexico. One Christmas Eve, a small, poor girl named Pepita wanted to give a gift to the Baby Jesus. Her cousin told her that “even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves Him, will make Jesus happy.”
Walking to the Christmas Eve services at her small church, Pepita picked some weeds by the side of the road and carried them to the nativity scene at the altar. When she placed them before the creche, the weeds were miraculously transformed into beautiful, bright red flowers. These poinsettias became known as “Flores de Noche Buena” (“Flowers of the Holy Night”).
Gifts for Jesus
Throughout the ages, many people have brought gifts to Jesus. The woman who found Him at Simon the leper’s house and emptied her alabaster box of expensive perfume on Him.
And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. Mark 14:3
Gift-Givers
The widow who brought two small coins, everything she had. The little drummer boy from the Christmas carol who brought his song to the Savior. The first gift-givers to Jesus of which we have record are the wisemen who followed the prophesied star to Jesus.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:1-12
Very specific gifts
The wisemen brought very specific gifts to the Christ Child. We have the opportunity to do the same. We all bring our hearts to Him to be His dwelling place. We can also bring the gifts He has given us back to Him and ask Him to use them for His glory. Everything we have is a gift from God. Anything we bring to Him was given to us by Him.
Action Step:
What gifts do you need to dedicate to God’s use and bring back as a gift to Him today? Is there an offering you can give in faith to the work of God at Christmas time? What specific gift can you bring the Savior today? Just like young Pepita, the smallest gift can be used miraculously by God!
Prayer:
Dear God, Open our eyes to see the gifts we can bring to You in faith today. Help us to let go of our grip of control over all that You have given us and give it back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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