Read Matthew 2:1-11 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- How did the wise men react to the star?
- What did they do first when they encountered Jesus?
- What gifts did they have for Him?
Reflect
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a group of wise men wanted to find Him. He led them into His presence with a bright star, and they brought gifts of great value. Yet the first thing they did when they met Jesus was set aside their presents and worship Him. They acknowledged His presence by stopping and truly seeing Him.
In a similar way, we can choose presence over presents in our own lives. When we take a moment to pause and set aside what we’re carrying – whether it’s physical presents this Christmas season or mental weight like to-do lists or worries – it frees us up to truly worship Jesus, and in turn, to see those around us. Slowing down or stopping, even during a busy time of year, allows for the space required to be present with others.
What do you most often carry when you spend time with your loved ones? How can you stop and see others in a conversation this week? How can you seek God’s presence first? Who can you ask for help, and whose load can you help lighten?
Respond
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Remember
During At the Movies, each week we’ll focus on remembering what we read. If you’re new to memorizing Scripture, start by looking at one section of one verse to remember this week.
Read Isaiah 7:14 again to remember. If you want to begin by memorizing just part of it, start with this phrase:
“She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”