“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”    Matthew 6:21

I love to look for the perfect treasure to give at Christmas time to loved ones and friends.  When the children were little it seemed quite easy but now it grows harder each year.  We all want to find that special gift that we know they will love so that on Christmas morning we will see their eyes light up and hear those wonderful words, “it’s just what I wanted.”

A few days ago I went Christmas Shopping and was overwhelmed not only by the cost but just by all the stuff, none of which I wanted or thought would really make my family happy.  I began to wonder if our hearts have become chained to all this stuff we think we need but has no lasting value.  The happiness it provides usually is short lived and leads to the desire for more stuff.  Am I searching for stuff that looks like treasure this Christmas or seeking His treasure that never tarnishes or disappoints?  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”     Matthew 6:19  “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”   Matthew 6:20

The Magi, also known as the wise-men, traveled a great distance to find the Christ, who was born a king because they had seen His star in the east and they wanted to worship Him.  The Magi were overjoyed when they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. 

The wise Magi knew that all our treasure is nothing compared with knowing God.  They discovered great truth by studying the scriptures.

“…if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”        Proverbs 2:4,5

Jesus is everything we need:

“His divine power has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”      II Peter 1:3

                                                   I’d Rather Have Jesus                                                                    (Words by Rhea F. Miller, music by George Beverly Shea)

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

• Refrain:
  Than to be the king of a vast domain
  And be held in sin’s dread sway;
  I’d rather have Jesus than anything
  This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead