“We are the gift God longs to receive.”
In the first reading, Isaiah reminds the Israelites exiled in Babylon that they, not the fallen kingdom, are God’s glory. When the Magi bring gifts for Jesus, they celebrate the One who will redeem God’s people. The second reading reminds us that the promises made to the Israelites have been offered through Jesus to all people, Jews and Gentiles. The Magi – or Wise Men and traditionally also kings – point us to the King who longs to love and save each and every one of us, to draw us into the divinity of God. What a gift it is to discover we are nothing more or less than the beloved children of God.
“Infant King, you came as one of us to gather us to yourself. Draw us into your tenderness with all the wonder of a newborn. May we find ourselves as precious as you have made us, and may we make of our lives a gift to you. Amen.“
Taken from CCCB – Reflection
