Continuing the events of the Birth of Christ we recall the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ Child. Seeking the Newborn King they offer Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the icon we understand the statement "kneeling before Innocence we see wealth prostrating itself before Poverty."
The Magi offer gold - an offering of obedience to the King; frankincense - bringing worship and reverence to God; and myrrh - an offering to the human nature of Christ. Their offering reminds the faithful that we too must present our gifts to the Lord.
The gifts we offer through good stewardship are our Time, Talents, and Treasure. Instead of gold, we present our heart to the Lord; rather than frankincense, we offer our soul illumined with love for God and for all humankind; and in place of myrrh, we give our mind so that our thoughts and actions may be free of sin.
The Magi traveled a great distance to meet the newborn King. They overcame many obstacles to meet the Savior of Humankind. Following the Star of Bethlehem, they were guided to prostrate themselves before the God incarnate. They understood what it meant to present their very best to the Lord of all. The Star of Bethlehem has been shining in the hearts of Christians for almost 2,000 years. We must continue to allow the star to guide us in acts of Christian STEWARDSHIP!
What cause can possibly be worthier than presenting ourselves to God so that the sacred mission of His Church might be fulfilled? We should not wait for the Church to ask for our support, we must step forward voluntarily to meet the Lord and present ourselves to Him by the giving of our Time, Talents, and Treasure.
See: Matthew 2:1-12
To learn more, visit the Department of Stewardship.
