Yes, I know we’re less than two weeks away from Christmas day, and that the Wise Men didn’t come bearing gifts until much later, yet I’m going to delve into their visit with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Is that okay? I guess so since I haven’t heard one word of complaint. Good, let’s keep it that way!

Those Magi don’t bring cheapo, white elephant, or regifted Secret Santa presents to the Holy Family. Hardly. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Precious indeed. No gift cards or IOUs either. These are tangible assets that could translate into a king’s ransom. Set them up for life. Moving them onto Easy Street instead of some backwater dead-end cul-de-sac to nowhere.

How do Mary and Joseph use these gifts? They fund their exile into Egypt when staying in Bethlehem would result in a sure death sentence for their child. They don’t count their newfound fortune as a way to pump up their net worth but rather to use it, whether conscious of it or not, to further God’s purposes through their son Jesus.

Money has a way of grabbing hold of us. I know. I was a financial planner for 20 years with a large investment firm. I’ve seen the results of big bucks in people’s lives. Some held onto their moolah with a loose grip. Doesn’t rule their lives. But others, well, you know.

I’ve heard it said that money should be like a window, looking through it you can see others. But make that window into a mirror by adding a silver backing and suddenly, looking at it, you see only yourself reflected off that lustrous glimmer.

In this season of Black Friday sales, extended Black Friday sales, seasonlong and neverending Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday, and dragged out all week Cyber Monday, just send them your dough along with all your wherewithal for whatever—maybe we should step back, turn off our devices, and devise better ways to worship Jesus so that we can see Him through the window of our souls, looking more upward and outward and less inward and backward.

I pray that my reach may exceed my grasp in remembering Jesus, coming with gifts for the Promised One—doing my part bowing down at His feet, wondering at His beauty, worshiping our Lord and God, and honoring Jesus this Christmas—to gaze lovingly at His face. Gifts that money can’t buy.

Worth a try? I wonder if we’ll notice Him a tad clearer through open windows this Christmas?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this time of worshipping you. Amen.