advent: our gifts

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. — Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV)

This was our fourth reading for Advent devotions as a family. We had a good time placing our Little People Nativity pieces by each candle we had lit so far. An angel for OT prophecy and "God's Promise." Mary for "Our Choice." Shepherds for "God With Us." And finally the wise men for this week "Our Gifts."

We reflected on how God has blessed us so much, and he loves when we give back to him. The kids brainstormed what we can give God, obedience, giving to those in need, our time, etc. We also thought about these verses:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. — Psalm 51:17 (ESV)

All these things my hand has made,and so all these things came to be,declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spiritand trembles at my word. — Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)

We remembered that God's favorite gifts are when we ask for help and admit we are wrong and need help.