1 00:00:00,320 --> 00:00:03,240 Speaker 1: For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be 2 00:00:03,279 --> 00:00:10,159 Speaker 1: also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us 3 00:00:10,200 --> 00:00:15,920 Speaker 1: to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what 4 00:00:15,960 --> 00:00:21,040 Speaker 1: we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with 5 00:00:21,120 --> 00:00:25,600 Speaker 1: your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will 6 00:00:25,640 --> 00:00:30,480 Speaker 1: be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed 7 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:34,560 Speaker 1: by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy. 8 00:00:36,120 --> 00:00:40,320 Speaker 1: Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in 9 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:45,559 Speaker 1: what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for 10 00:00:45,600 --> 00:00:49,760 Speaker 1: your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure 11 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:55,880 Speaker 1: is found in a relationship with you. May our lives 12 00:00:55,920 --> 00:01:00,720 Speaker 1: be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we 13 00:01:00,840 --> 00:01:05,399 Speaker 1: find joy and contentment in pursuing you above all else. 14 00:01:06,840 --> 00:01:11,800 Speaker 1: In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure. We pray, Amen, 15 00:01:12,680 --> 00:01:14,679 Speaker 1: sh sweet child, I'm here. 16 00:01:15,160 --> 00:01:18,920 Speaker 2: Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries. 17 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 2: Her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her 18 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:26,520 Speaker 2: arms and swayed him back and forth. Her voice hummed 19 00:01:26,560 --> 00:01:31,880 Speaker 2: alongside the crackling fire in their humble home. Jesus's tiny 20 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:36,520 Speaker 2: eyes glistened in the warm glow. Joseph was by the fire, 21 00:01:36,840 --> 00:01:40,959 Speaker 2: his eyes dancing with the flames, a momentary refuge from 22 00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:44,280 Speaker 2: the labors of life he had toiled all day with 23 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:48,200 Speaker 2: the Stonemasons. While Mary and Jesus walked through the market place. 24 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:51,720 Speaker 2: Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them, 25 00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:56,040 Speaker 2: a refuge from the cold night outside, filled with the 26 00:01:56,080 --> 00:02:00,640 Speaker 2: warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's and he approached her, 27 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:04,200 Speaker 2: gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the 28 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:08,359 Speaker 2: baby's nose. A coop escape Jesus's lips and the new 29 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:12,200 Speaker 2: parent's faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm 30 00:02:12,280 --> 00:02:16,919 Speaker 2: of parenting, these tranquil moments were a glimpse of Heaven's peace. 31 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:22,920 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 32 00:02:22,919 --> 00:02:26,520 Speaker 3: Bible in a Year podcast. It's been a joy following 33 00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:29,920 Speaker 3: the highs and lows of this renowned Christmas tale with you. 34 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:35,040 Speaker 3: Today we glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. 35 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:38,919 Speaker 3: The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than 36 00:02:38,919 --> 00:02:44,840 Speaker 3: a picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty. 37 00:02:45,160 --> 00:02:50,360 Speaker 3: Meaningful worship and heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the 38 00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 3: star gotten word that the child must be in Bethlehem 39 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:58,600 Speaker 3: and are about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In 40 00:02:58,639 --> 00:03:01,200 Speaker 3: case any of you were curates us about the timeline 41 00:03:01,240 --> 00:03:04,720 Speaker 3: of these events, the Magi most likely visited Jesus when 42 00:03:04,720 --> 00:03:09,040 Speaker 3: he was between six and eighteen months old. No doubt, 43 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:12,119 Speaker 3: Joseph procured a job in town, waiting for the right 44 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:17,560 Speaker 3: moment to return to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm 45 00:03:18,040 --> 00:03:22,480 Speaker 3: and profound, but make no mistake, it is the calm 46 00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:24,280 Speaker 3: before the final storm. 47 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:31,440 Speaker 2: Let's begin, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared a tender moment 48 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:34,520 Speaker 2: in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of 49 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:39,080 Speaker 2: fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was 50 00:03:39,160 --> 00:03:43,440 Speaker 2: calling now, eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph 51 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:48,360 Speaker 2: were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope, 52 00:03:48,600 --> 00:03:52,320 Speaker 2: and love. He was only an infant, but their knowledge 53 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:55,600 Speaker 2: of who he was caused them to look at him differently, 54 00:03:56,560 --> 00:04:00,280 Speaker 2: although they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him, 55 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:03,920 Speaker 2: change him, or remain up all night with him. Son 56 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:07,840 Speaker 2: of God or not an infant was an infant, but 57 00:04:07,920 --> 00:04:13,680 Speaker 2: for now all was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly a knock 58 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 2: jarred them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed, 59 00:04:17,760 --> 00:04:21,720 Speaker 2: his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel, a who would 60 00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:25,400 Speaker 2: be visiting at this hour. The knocking grew insistent, and 61 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:29,039 Speaker 2: Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war, readying him to 62 00:04:29,080 --> 00:04:32,240 Speaker 2: protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step back 63 00:04:32,279 --> 00:04:35,680 Speaker 2: as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and ready 64 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:39,080 Speaker 2: to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked his 65 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:43,760 Speaker 2: head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and resplendent 66 00:04:43,880 --> 00:04:48,160 Speaker 2: robes stood before him. The jewels from their head dresses 67 00:04:48,200 --> 00:04:53,080 Speaker 2: gleamed like stars. May I help you, Joseph asked, confused 68 00:04:53,080 --> 00:04:57,080 Speaker 2: and off kilter. We have journeyed for Caspar smiled with 69 00:04:57,160 --> 00:05:01,240 Speaker 2: his eyes. To worship the king, he said, with his 70 00:05:01,360 --> 00:05:05,560 Speaker 2: grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in his throat. 71 00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:08,960 Speaker 2: He glanced back at Mary, his eyes wide with disbelief, 72 00:05:09,240 --> 00:05:12,560 Speaker 2: before gesturing for the men to step in. The child 73 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:16,440 Speaker 2: was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping her finger. 74 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:21,560 Speaker 2: The magi entered slowly and with great respect. Their grandeur 75 00:05:21,680 --> 00:05:26,119 Speaker 2: and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's humble home. 76 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:30,039 Speaker 2: But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all sense of 77 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:34,919 Speaker 2: status and wealth faded. These three men, who bowed to 78 00:05:34,960 --> 00:05:38,360 Speaker 2: no one, fell prostrate on to the floor before him, 79 00:05:38,920 --> 00:05:42,880 Speaker 2: their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe. 80 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:47,120 Speaker 2: It is an honor, our King, Caspar whispered, his voice, 81 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:50,839 Speaker 2: a gentle breeze. We have followed the star, and it 82 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:55,599 Speaker 2: led us to you. Marrying Joseph exchanged glances, their hearts 83 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:59,719 Speaker 2: pounding with wonder. These were not mere men, but rulers 84 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:03,320 Speaker 2: and kings in their own right, and yet they bowed 85 00:06:03,360 --> 00:06:08,360 Speaker 2: before their child. We have brought gifts, Melchia announced in reverence. 86 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:12,480 Speaker 2: Kaspar brought out a small wooden chest with silver engravings. 87 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:15,560 Speaker 2: He opened the chest to reveal dozens of gold pieces 88 00:06:15,560 --> 00:06:20,440 Speaker 2: shimmering in the firelight. Gold for a king, he said, softly, 89 00:06:20,640 --> 00:06:24,120 Speaker 2: laying it at Mary's feet. Melchior brought out a glass 90 00:06:24,279 --> 00:06:29,440 Speaker 2: flask of refined oil frankncense, he said, with reverence for 91 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:34,440 Speaker 2: the divine Boushaszar brought out a linen bag of resin glimmering, 92 00:06:34,560 --> 00:06:38,520 Speaker 2: nearly as bright as the gold and muh he concluded 93 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:41,960 Speaker 2: with a soft voice. The three magile lingered there for 94 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:45,880 Speaker 2: a while. Words failed them, for they had a sense 95 00:06:45,920 --> 00:06:50,320 Speaker 2: that this moment was more profound than they would ever realize. 96 00:06:50,400 --> 00:06:54,120 Speaker 2: After a final bow, the men rose, their faces etched 97 00:06:54,160 --> 00:06:59,200 Speaker 2: with reverence and gratitude. We must go, Bauchassar said, his 98 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:04,320 Speaker 2: voice heavy with reluctance. They departed, their souls forever changed, 99 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,479 Speaker 2: leaving behind a blessing that lingered in the air. Joseph 100 00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 2: and Mary retreated to their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. 101 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:16,360 Speaker 2: They watched Jesus sleep, his face a picture of serenity, 102 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:20,440 Speaker 2: a reflection of God's grace. The magi returned to their 103 00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:23,320 Speaker 2: caravan with sober reflection on the tip of their tongues. 104 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:27,160 Speaker 2: What have we just witnessed, Melchia asked with a sigh. 105 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:32,440 Speaker 2: Caspar shook his head in disbelief. A God's chosen king 106 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:37,680 Speaker 2: in a small home tucked in the hills of Bethlehem. 107 00:07:38,120 --> 00:07:41,559 Speaker 2: Was not King David such a child too. He hailed 108 00:07:41,560 --> 00:07:45,440 Speaker 2: from Bethlehem, and see how great he became, Melchia replied. 109 00:07:46,520 --> 00:07:50,480 Speaker 2: Balchazzar was more serious, keeping his eyes fixed on Jerusalem. 110 00:07:50,920 --> 00:07:53,720 Speaker 2: He had a pit in his stomach ever since leaving 111 00:07:53,840 --> 00:08:00,040 Speaker 2: Herod's palace. He will become greater than David, Balshazzar said. 112 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:03,840 Speaker 2: That night, the men slept soundly in the ornate tents 113 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:09,080 Speaker 2: pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan was at peace, except Bauchazzar. 114 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:13,000 Speaker 2: He tossed under the blankets, tormented by visions of fire 115 00:08:13,080 --> 00:08:17,480 Speaker 2: and blood. The sound of infant screams surrounded him. Before 116 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:20,920 Speaker 2: he woke up in a panic, Sweat beat down his forehead. 117 00:08:21,280 --> 00:08:24,720 Speaker 2: He lit his torch and woke his companions. We must 118 00:08:24,800 --> 00:08:29,000 Speaker 2: go now, he insisted. Herod can never know of what 119 00:08:29,120 --> 00:08:32,599 Speaker 2: we have witnessed. We must leave before he has the 120 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 2: chance to follow us. The magi agreed to travel into 121 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:40,760 Speaker 2: the night, retreating far away from Herod's sight. Something sinister 122 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:43,360 Speaker 2: was at work, but they knew they had witnessed the 123 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:46,440 Speaker 2: beginning of a story that would change the world, a 124 00:08:46,559 --> 00:08:51,280 Speaker 2: story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. In the quiet of 125 00:08:51,320 --> 00:08:54,680 Speaker 2: the night, they felt the hand of God guiding them, 126 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:57,800 Speaker 2: assuring them that they were a part of a grand design. 127 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:03,280 Speaker 2: A tapestry woven with thread of gold, frankincense, and mrher. 128 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:09,840 Speaker 3: The story of the magi's visitation to the infant Jesus 129 00:09:10,080 --> 00:09:13,360 Speaker 3: is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty. 130 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:17,560 Speaker 3: It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation 131 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:22,800 Speaker 3: of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with jewels 132 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:27,000 Speaker 3: and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow before Jesus. 133 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:31,440 Speaker 3: These were wise men, kings in their own right, who 134 00:09:31,480 --> 00:09:35,120 Speaker 3: recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, 135 00:09:35,559 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 3: in a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed 136 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:44,000 Speaker 3: all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings, 137 00:09:44,559 --> 00:09:48,840 Speaker 3: was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne 138 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,800 Speaker 3: was a manger, not a seat adorned with gold and 139 00:09:51,880 --> 00:09:56,959 Speaker 3: precious stones. This story invites us to reflect on our 140 00:09:57,000 --> 00:10:01,400 Speaker 3: own perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by 141 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 3: the glitter of worldly success or the true royalty found 142 00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:11,280 Speaker 3: in righteousness, humility, and service to others. Jesus' kingship challenges 143 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:15,280 Speaker 3: the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading us to 144 00:10:15,360 --> 00:10:19,560 Speaker 3: a new way of living. The Magi, filled with awe 145 00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:24,640 Speaker 3: and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts 146 00:10:24,640 --> 00:10:28,280 Speaker 3: that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each 147 00:10:28,360 --> 00:10:37,600 Speaker 3: had a symbolic significance. First gold, symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold 148 00:10:37,640 --> 00:10:40,360 Speaker 3: reminds us that Christ is the king of all creation. 149 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:45,439 Speaker 3: Gold as a royal medal, pointed to Jesus's dominion and reign. 150 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:52,640 Speaker 3: Gold is a pure metal and is valued above all others. Frankncense, 151 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:58,240 Speaker 3: representing Jesus's divinity. Frankincense was used in worship and portrayed 152 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:03,040 Speaker 3: Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin 153 00:11:03,320 --> 00:11:08,200 Speaker 3: and his role as our eternal high Priest. MRR alluding 154 00:11:08,200 --> 00:11:12,960 Speaker 3: to Jesus's eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies. 155 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:16,400 Speaker 3: Even at his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, 156 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:21,040 Speaker 3: and this gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These 157 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:25,200 Speaker 3: gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning, connecting 158 00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:29,800 Speaker 3: with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us 159 00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:32,920 Speaker 3: that our worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful 160 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:38,720 Speaker 3: and profound, reflecting our understanding of who he is. We 161 00:11:38,720 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 3: are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we 162 00:11:41,679 --> 00:11:46,800 Speaker 3: exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, 163 00:11:47,160 --> 00:11:51,640 Speaker 3: and joy. But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, 164 00:11:52,040 --> 00:11:56,240 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. The connection between the Magi's gifts and our 165 00:11:56,320 --> 00:12:00,320 Speaker 3: Christmas presence lies in the heart behind the giving. Let 166 00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:03,200 Speaker 3: our gifts be expressions of our love for one another, 167 00:12:03,679 --> 00:12:06,600 Speaker 3: mirroring the love God showed us by sending his son, 168 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:11,760 Speaker 3: Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble. 169 00:12:12,240 --> 00:12:16,840 Speaker 3: Let our giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues 170 00:12:16,880 --> 00:12:21,680 Speaker 3: of Christ's kingdom. As we celebrate Christmas. May we bow 171 00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:25,840 Speaker 3: before Jesus, our righteous King, with hearts full of worship 172 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:30,199 Speaker 3: and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love, 173 00:12:30,559 --> 00:12:35,560 Speaker 3: his sacrifice, and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew chapter six, 174 00:12:35,679 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 3: verse twenty one, for where your treasure is there, your 175 00:12:39,160 --> 00:12:43,160 Speaker 3: heart will be also. The Magi story invites us to 176 00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:47,800 Speaker 3: treasure Jesus above all else. May this Christmas season be 177 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:50,360 Speaker 3: a time to draw near to Him, to discover his 178 00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:53,760 Speaker 3: love anew, and to share it with those around us. 179 00:12:55,280 --> 00:12:58,480 Speaker 3: Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 180 00:12:58,960 --> 00:13:02,880 Speaker 3: I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot 181 00:13:02,920 --> 00:13:05,720 Speaker 3: com app and make prayer a priority in your life. 182 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:09,080 Speaker 3: If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love. 183 00:13:09,440 --> 00:13:12,120 Speaker 3: By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in 184 00:13:12,200 --> 00:13:15,559 Speaker 3: someone's life. And if you want more resources on how 185 00:13:15,559 --> 00:13:19,560 Speaker 3: to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be 186 00:13:19,640 --> 00:13:24,960 Speaker 3: sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.