I love the painting of Gentile Da Fabriano entitled 'Adoration of the Magi.' It captures the beautiful scene of the Magi's first glimpse of the baby Jesus - Almighty God contracted to a span. I encourage you to spend some time looking at the painting.
For me the part I find so moving is the one Magi who puts down his gift and just kneels - lost in wonder before Jesus. Whilst the others hold onto their gifts this man, overwhelmed and captivated by the beauty of Jesus, bows down and simply beholds.
As I approach 2009 I feel this challenge within to be more like this Magi. He seems to have got it right. So often I'm caught up in what I can bring. The things I can do. "Lord I'll give more of my money to serve Your Church. Lord I'll give more of my time to lead your people in worship. I'll attend more prayer meetings. I'll read the bible more." All of these are amazing and worthy things - they can be wonderful gifts. But they can be offered up out of duty - rather than adoration. They can be accomplished without intimacy.

The hymn writer Christina Rossetti puts it perfectly in her hymn, 'In the bleak mid winter.'

'What can I give Him
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
Yet what I can I give Him
Give my heart

The desire in God's heart is that we bring our hearts, our lives, our all. At this time, as worshippers of the most glorious King, let's not hide behind bringing our gifts - the stuff we do. Rather let's give all that we are and let's embrace and behold Emmanuel, God with us.

Let's make this a year of simple adoration.
To see a larger version of this painting visit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gentile_da...