What Jesus Did! 'The Gifts' — Matthew 1:20-21

Monday, January 6, 2025

As [Joseph considered breaking his engagement to Mary], an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
— Matthew 1:20-21 NLT

Key Thought

Most Christians know the three gifts of the wise men to Jesus were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But, did you know that the angel of the Lord also gave Joseph the assurance that God is giving three gifts in sending Jesus? God's three gifts in Jesus are: 1) a Son of David who fulfills God's promise of a King who will reign forever; 2) a child who is God's Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit; and 3) a Great Deliverer, who will save his people from their sins. As Jesus' younger half-brother would later write, God is the Father of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). There is no gift more precious or far-reaching than the gift of Jesus, God's Son, and our Savior.

Today's Prayer

O dear Father, you give such amazing and generous gifts. Thank you for your assurance and love, for people of faith who believe and act on your word, for the Holy Spirit who leads us in your will, and most of all, for your Son and my Savior, Jesus. For these gifts and a host of others I so often take for granted, I give you thanks. You are wonderful and your love is too great for me to fathom. Please accept my heartfelt praise, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 1:16-18
  • 2 Corinthians 9:15
  • Galatians 4:4-7

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:20-21 NLT — "Joseph, son of David,"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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