It was twenty years ago that I learned of the birth of my first grandchild. Oh how I longed to see her. We set out on our travels of more than 1100 miles, all leading to one small house where the precious baby would be found. She was asleep when I arrived; I would have to wait. When I could wait no longer, I tiptoed into the bedroom where she lay. I knelt down at the bedside to better see this beautiful child. In that instant, my heart adored her.

Yesterday, January 6th, marked the celebration of Epiphany. We remember the wise men traveling from their homes in the east to find the place where the infant Jesus lay. We hear of the star that led them on their long journey. And what did these learned kings or wise men do when they arrived at the house where the young child lay? They made no grand exalted entrance; they knelt down before the baby in humble adoration. Then they offered the finest of gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In 1811, the Anglican bishop, Reginald Heber, composed a hymn to be sung at the feast of Epiphany: “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning.” It’s still a much-loved hymn – #303 in our hymnal set to the tune “Morning Star” by James P. Harding. Perhaps it’s familiar to you.

I’m particularly drawn to stanzas 3 and 4. Heber ponders the question of what we can give this infant redeemer.

“What shall we give him, in costly devotion?
Shall we bring incense and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure;
richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.”

No gift we bring can earn our Lord’s favor – no gold or gem, however precious. All He asks is the humble adoration of our hearts. He asks that we open our hearts to His unconditional love; that we simply adore our infant redeemer!

Judy