1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:03,280 Speaker 1: For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be 2 00:00:03,360 --> 00:00:10,239 Speaker 1: also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us 3 00:00:10,240 --> 00:00:15,960 Speaker 1: to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what 4 00:00:16,040 --> 00:00:21,079 Speaker 1: we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with 5 00:00:21,160 --> 00:00:25,640 Speaker 1: your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will 6 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:30,520 Speaker 1: be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed 7 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:34,640 Speaker 1: by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy. 8 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:40,360 Speaker 1: Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in 9 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:45,600 Speaker 1: what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for 10 00:00:45,680 --> 00:00:49,800 Speaker 1: your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure 11 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:55,960 Speaker 1: is found in a relationship with you. May our lives 12 00:00:56,000 --> 00:01:00,800 Speaker 1: be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we 13 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:05,479 Speaker 1: find joy and contentment in pursuing you above all else. 14 00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:10,640 Speaker 1: In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure. We pray 15 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:22,119 Speaker 1: amensh sweet child, I'm here. 16 00:01:22,600 --> 00:01:26,360 Speaker 2: Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries. 17 00:01:27,080 --> 00:01:29,880 Speaker 2: Her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her 18 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:33,959 Speaker 2: arms and swayed him back and forth. Her voice hummed 19 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:39,320 Speaker 2: alongside the crackling fire in their humble home. Jesus's tiny 20 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:43,959 Speaker 2: eyes glistened in the warm glow. Joseph was by the fire, 21 00:01:44,280 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 2: his eyes dancing with the flames, a momentary refuge from 22 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:51,720 Speaker 2: the labors of life. He had toiled all day with 23 00:01:51,800 --> 00:01:55,640 Speaker 2: the Stonemasons. While marrying Jesus walked through the market place. 24 00:01:56,240 --> 00:01:59,160 Speaker 2: Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them, 25 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:03,920 Speaker 2: aug from the cold night outside, Filled with the warmth 26 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:08,080 Speaker 2: of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's and he approached her, 27 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:11,640 Speaker 2: gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the 28 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:15,839 Speaker 2: baby's nose, a cool escape. Jesus's lips and the new 29 00:02:15,919 --> 00:02:19,640 Speaker 2: parent's faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm 30 00:02:19,680 --> 00:02:24,359 Speaker 2: of parenting, these tranquil moments were a glimpse of Heaven's peace. 31 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:29,120 Speaker 3: We're so glad you joined us on the Bible and 32 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:32,240 Speaker 3: of your podcast today. The Bible any of your podcast 33 00:02:32,360 --> 00:02:35,959 Speaker 3: is an outreach of PowerPoint Ministries and can only come 34 00:02:35,960 --> 00:02:38,440 Speaker 3: to you each week through the support of listeners just 35 00:02:38,600 --> 00:02:42,040 Speaker 3: like you. Your support today is so important that we 36 00:02:42,120 --> 00:02:43,919 Speaker 3: want to thank you for your gift by giving you 37 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:47,280 Speaker 3: a copy of my book called The Jesus Book. It 38 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:49,760 Speaker 3: is a powerful guide that shows how every book of 39 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:53,240 Speaker 3: the Bible points to Jesus and how his living word, 40 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:57,240 Speaker 3: the truth of God's Word, will transform your life. So 41 00:02:57,280 --> 00:03:00,040 Speaker 3: to get a copy of the Jesus Book, simply go 42 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:04,320 Speaker 3: to Jack Graham dot org slash Jesus. That's Jack Graham 43 00:03:04,480 --> 00:03:08,360 Speaker 3: dot org slash Jesus and thank you for your support. 44 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:12,000 Speaker 3: It's been a joy following the highs and lows of 45 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:16,320 Speaker 3: this renowned Christmas tale with you. Today we glimpse an 46 00:03:16,360 --> 00:03:20,679 Speaker 3: intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. The story of 47 00:03:20,720 --> 00:03:24,359 Speaker 3: the Magi visiting Jesus is more than a picturesque scene. 48 00:03:26,440 --> 00:03:30,720 Speaker 3: It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty, meaningful worship, and 49 00:03:30,919 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 3: heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the star gotten word 50 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 3: that the child must be in Bethlehem and are about 51 00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:43,360 Speaker 3: to behold the majesty of Jesus. In case any of 52 00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:46,640 Speaker 3: you were curious about the timeline of these events, the 53 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:49,880 Speaker 3: Magi most likely visited Jesus when he was between six 54 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 3: and eighteen months old. No doubt, Joseph procured a job 55 00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:57,840 Speaker 3: in town, waiting for the right moment to return to Nazareth. 56 00:03:59,320 --> 00:04:05,000 Speaker 3: This episode is quiet, warm and profound, but make no mistake, 57 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:08,280 Speaker 3: it is the calm before the final storm. 58 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:16,120 Speaker 2: Let's begin, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared a tender moment 59 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:19,200 Speaker 2: in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of 60 00:04:19,279 --> 00:04:23,800 Speaker 2: fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was 61 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:28,200 Speaker 2: calm now, eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph 62 00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:33,000 Speaker 2: were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope, 63 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:37,039 Speaker 2: and love. He was only an infant, but their knowledge 64 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:40,279 Speaker 2: of who he was caused them to look at him differently, 65 00:04:41,279 --> 00:04:44,920 Speaker 2: although they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him, 66 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:48,640 Speaker 2: change him, or remain up all night with him. Son 67 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:52,479 Speaker 2: of God or not. An infant was an infant, But 68 00:04:52,640 --> 00:04:58,880 Speaker 2: for now all was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly, annak jarred 69 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:02,560 Speaker 2: them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed, his 70 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:07,120 Speaker 2: hands reaching instinctively for his chisel, who would be visiting 71 00:05:07,160 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 2: at this hour. The knocking grew insistent, and Joseph's heartbeat quickened, 72 00:05:11,880 --> 00:05:14,839 Speaker 2: a drum of war. Readying him to protect his family. 73 00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:17,680 Speaker 2: He gestured for Mary to step back as he approached 74 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 2: the door, the chisel hidden and ready to strike. He 75 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:24,800 Speaker 2: opened the door and immediately cocked his head in confusion. 76 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:30,640 Speaker 2: Three men adorned in rich and resplendent robes stood before him. 77 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:35,039 Speaker 2: The jewels from their head dresses gleamed like stars. May 78 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:38,960 Speaker 2: I help you, Joseph asked, confused and off kilter. We 79 00:05:39,120 --> 00:05:43,920 Speaker 2: have journeyed for Caspar smiled with his eyes to worship 80 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:47,800 Speaker 2: the King, he said, with his grizzled and low voice. 81 00:05:48,520 --> 00:05:51,839 Speaker 2: Joseph's breath caught in his throat. He glanced back at Mary, 82 00:05:52,080 --> 00:05:55,280 Speaker 2: his eyes wide with disbelief, before gesturing for the men 83 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:58,920 Speaker 2: to step in. The child was cradled in Mary's arms, 84 00:05:59,279 --> 00:06:03,599 Speaker 2: hand firmly grasping her finger. The magi entered slowly and 85 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:09,040 Speaker 2: with great respect. Their grandeur and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted 86 00:06:09,160 --> 00:06:12,880 Speaker 2: Joseph and Mary's humble home. But as their eyes fell 87 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:18,000 Speaker 2: on Jesus, all sense of status and wealth faded. These 88 00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:21,839 Speaker 2: three men, who bowed to no one, fell prostrate onto 89 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:25,400 Speaker 2: the floor before him, their faces pressed to the ground, 90 00:06:25,880 --> 00:06:29,719 Speaker 2: voices quivering with awe. It is an honor our, King, 91 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:34,080 Speaker 2: Caspar whispered, his voice a gentle breeze. We have followed 92 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:38,239 Speaker 2: the star, and it led us to you. Marrying Joseph 93 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:42,719 Speaker 2: exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with wonder. These were not 94 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:45,840 Speaker 2: mere men, but rulers and kings in their own right, 95 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:51,240 Speaker 2: and yet they bowed before their child. We have brought gifts, 96 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:55,520 Speaker 2: Milchia announced in reverence. Caspar brought out a small wooden 97 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:58,800 Speaker 2: chest with silver engravings. He opened the chest to reveal 98 00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:03,080 Speaker 2: dozens of gold peace, shimmering in the firelight. Gold for 99 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:06,880 Speaker 2: a king, he said, softly, laying it at Mary's feet. 100 00:07:07,320 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 2: Melchior brought out a glass flask of refined oil frankencense, 101 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:16,880 Speaker 2: he said, with reverence for the divine. Boushassar brought out 102 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:20,200 Speaker 2: a linen bag of resin glimmering nearly as bright as 103 00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:24,360 Speaker 2: the gold, and muh he concluded with a soft voice. 104 00:07:25,040 --> 00:07:29,320 Speaker 2: The three magi lingered there for a while. Words failed them, 105 00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:32,000 Speaker 2: for they had a sense that this moment was more 106 00:07:32,040 --> 00:07:36,240 Speaker 2: profound than they would ever realize. After a final bow, 107 00:07:36,600 --> 00:07:40,560 Speaker 2: the men rose, their faces etched with reverence and gratitude. 108 00:07:40,840 --> 00:07:45,720 Speaker 2: We must go, Bauchassar said, his voice heavy with reluctance. 109 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:50,679 Speaker 2: They departed, their souls forever changed, leaving behind a blessing 110 00:07:50,720 --> 00:07:54,400 Speaker 2: that lingered in the air. Joseph and Mary retreated to 111 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:58,840 Speaker 2: their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. They watched Jesus sleep, 112 00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:03,040 Speaker 2: his face appear picture of serenity, a reflection of God's grace. 113 00:08:03,840 --> 00:08:06,920 Speaker 2: The magi returned to their caravan with sober reflection on 114 00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:10,080 Speaker 2: the tip of their tongues. What have we just witnessed, 115 00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:14,440 Speaker 2: Melchia asked with a sigh. Caspar shook his head in disbelief. 116 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:20,440 Speaker 2: A God's chosen king in a small home tucked in 117 00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:24,400 Speaker 2: the hills of Bethlehem. Was not King David such a 118 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:28,239 Speaker 2: child too. He hailed for Bethlehem and see how great 119 00:08:28,280 --> 00:08:33,680 Speaker 2: he became, Melchia replied. Buchazzar was more serious, keeping his 120 00:08:33,760 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 2: eyes fixed on Jerusalem. He had a pit in his 121 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:41,840 Speaker 2: stomach ever since leaving Herod's palace. He will become greater 122 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:47,160 Speaker 2: than David, Balshazzar said. That night, the men slept soundly 123 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:51,600 Speaker 2: in the ornate tents pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan 124 00:08:51,720 --> 00:08:55,800 Speaker 2: was at peace, except Bauchazzar. He tossed under the blankets, 125 00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:59,640 Speaker 2: tormented by visions of fire and blood. The sound of 126 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 2: inns screams surrounded him before he woke up in a panic, 127 00:09:03,960 --> 00:09:07,200 Speaker 2: sweat beat down his forehead. He lit his torch and 128 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:12,240 Speaker 2: woke his companions. We must go now, he insisted, Herid 129 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:16,000 Speaker 2: can never know of what we have witnessed. We must 130 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:19,240 Speaker 2: leave before he has the chance to follow us. The 131 00:09:19,280 --> 00:09:22,800 Speaker 2: magi agreed to travel into the night, retreating far away 132 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:26,920 Speaker 2: from Herod's sight. Something sinister was at work, but they 133 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,360 Speaker 2: knew they had witnessed the beginning of a story that 134 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 2: would change the world, a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. 135 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:38,079 Speaker 2: In the quiet of the night, they felt the hand 136 00:09:38,120 --> 00:09:41,080 Speaker 2: of God guiding them, assuring them that they were a 137 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,800 Speaker 2: part of a grand design, a tapestry woven with threads 138 00:09:44,840 --> 00:09:47,520 Speaker 2: of gold, frankncense, and myrrh. 139 00:09:50,800 --> 00:09:53,920 Speaker 3: The story of the Magi's visitation to the infant Jesus 140 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:57,520 Speaker 3: as a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty. 141 00:09:58,640 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 3: It's not in the splendor of god garments or the 142 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:06,400 Speaker 3: accumulation of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with 143 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:10,200 Speaker 3: jewels and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow 144 00:10:10,280 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 3: before Jesus. These were wise men, kings in their own right, 145 00:10:15,400 --> 00:10:19,280 Speaker 3: who recognized a king and a child wrapped in swaddling clothes. 146 00:10:19,720 --> 00:10:23,080 Speaker 3: In a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed 147 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:28,160 Speaker 3: all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings, 148 00:10:28,720 --> 00:10:32,960 Speaker 3: was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne 149 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:35,960 Speaker 3: was a manger, not a seat adorned with gold and 150 00:10:36,040 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 3: precious stones. This story invites us to reflect on our 151 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:45,520 Speaker 3: own perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by 152 00:10:45,559 --> 00:10:49,199 Speaker 3: the glitter of worldly success or the true royalty found 153 00:10:49,240 --> 00:10:55,439 Speaker 3: in righteousness, humility, and service to others. Jesus's kingship challenges 154 00:10:55,480 --> 00:10:59,440 Speaker 3: the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading us to 155 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:03,720 Speaker 3: a new way of living. The Magi, filled with awe 156 00:11:03,760 --> 00:11:08,800 Speaker 3: and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts 157 00:11:08,800 --> 00:11:12,440 Speaker 3: that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each 158 00:11:12,520 --> 00:11:21,760 Speaker 3: had a symbolic significance. First, gold, symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold 159 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:24,520 Speaker 3: reminds us that Christ is the king of all creation. 160 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:29,600 Speaker 3: Gold as a royal medal pointed to Jesus's dominion and reign. 161 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:34,440 Speaker 3: Gold is a pure metal and is valued above all others. 162 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:41,720 Speaker 3: Frankncense representing Jesus's divinity. Frankncense was used in worship and 163 00:11:41,840 --> 00:11:46,680 Speaker 3: portrayed Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly 164 00:11:46,760 --> 00:11:51,120 Speaker 3: origin and his role as our eternal high Priest MRR 165 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:57,080 Speaker 3: alluding to Jesus's eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies. 166 00:11:57,720 --> 00:12:00,520 Speaker 3: Even at his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, 167 00:12:00,920 --> 00:12:05,199 Speaker 3: and this gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These 168 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:09,360 Speaker 3: gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning, Connecting 169 00:12:09,400 --> 00:12:13,960 Speaker 3: with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us 170 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:17,080 Speaker 3: that our worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful 171 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:22,880 Speaker 3: and profound, reflecting our understanding of who he is. We 172 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:25,760 Speaker 3: are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we 173 00:12:25,840 --> 00:12:30,920 Speaker 3: exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, 174 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:35,800 Speaker 3: and joy, but let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, 175 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:40,400 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. The connection between the Magi's gifts and our 176 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:44,440 Speaker 3: Christmas presence lies in the heart behind the giving. Let 177 00:12:44,520 --> 00:12:47,360 Speaker 3: our gifts be expressions of our love for one another, 178 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:50,760 Speaker 3: mirroring the love God showed us by sending his son. 179 00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:55,920 Speaker 3: Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble. 180 00:12:56,360 --> 00:13:01,000 Speaker 3: Let our giving be sincere, reflecting the value and virtues 181 00:13:01,040 --> 00:13:05,840 Speaker 3: of Christ's kingdom. As we celebrate Christmas, may we bow 182 00:13:05,920 --> 00:13:10,000 Speaker 3: before Jesus, our Righteous King, with hearts full of worship 183 00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:14,320 Speaker 3: and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love, 184 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:19,720 Speaker 3: his sacrifice, and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew chapter six, 185 00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:23,280 Speaker 3: verse twenty one. For where your treasure is there, your 186 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:27,320 Speaker 3: heart will be Also. The Magi story invites us to 187 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:31,960 Speaker 3: treasure Jesus above all else. May this Christmas season be 188 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:34,520 Speaker 3: a time to draw near to Him, to discover his 189 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:37,920 Speaker 3: love anew, and to share it with those around us. 190 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:42,800 Speaker 3: Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast, 191 00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:45,520 Speaker 3: and before we go, I wanted to let you know 192 00:13:45,600 --> 00:13:48,199 Speaker 3: that the Bible in a Year podcast is an outreach 193 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:51,840 Speaker 3: of PowerPoint Ministries and can only come to you each 194 00:13:51,880 --> 00:13:56,880 Speaker 3: week through the support of listeners like you. Your support today 195 00:13:56,960 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 3: is so important that we want to thank you for 196 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:01,640 Speaker 3: your gift by giving you a copy of my book 197 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:05,680 Speaker 3: called The Jesus Book. This book is a powerful guide 198 00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:08,640 Speaker 3: that shows how every book of the Bible points to Christ, 199 00:14:08,679 --> 00:14:11,439 Speaker 3: and how you can better read and understand the Bible 200 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:15,560 Speaker 3: and how God's Word transforms our lives. So to get 201 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:19,000 Speaker 3: your copy of The Jesus Book, simply go to Jaggraham 202 00:14:19,040 --> 00:14:24,080 Speaker 3: dot org. Slash jesus. That's Jaggraham dot org slash Jesus. 203 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:26,520 Speaker 3: And thank you for your support.