Mary sat in her humble house with her firstborn son. Her furniture, clothing, and possessions did not indicate that she and her young family had any amount of wealth—nor could they ever be confused for royalty.
Imagine the shock she must have felt when strange men entered her home and fell to the floor, worshipping her son. These foreigners had travelled hundreds of kilometres to see the child—a poor boy from a poor family—whom they called “king of the Jews.” They presented the child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, gifts that were likely more valuable than anything the family had ever owned—treasures worthy of a king.
It was the first recorded instance of Gentiles worshipping the Messiah.
This was only the beginning of nations bowing before the Son of God. A few years later, as a adult, Jesus would travel to Gentile towns, where crowds would recognise Him as the Savior of the world. Jesus’ disciples would begin taking the gospel to people from all ethnic groups. And one day, a multitude from every nation will stand before the throne of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).
History has been pointing to this. The Gentiles included in Jesus’ genealogy reveal the reality that God always intended for His family to contain people from every nation. At last, the wise men worshipping the young Messiah heralded that this promise was being fulfilled.
The gospel is spreading across the world, and the nations are coming to Jesus. Yet, the gospel has not reached every nation. While we are celebrating Jesus’ birth, more than 3 billion people from 7,600 people groups (what the Bible calls “nations”) don’t even know who Jesus really is. This season will come and go without them knowing that a Savior came to rescue people from all corners of the globe.
They don’t know that He came to bless all nations.
One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Until then, the gospel needs to reach those who are unreached with the good news.
As you thank God for the birth of a newborn King, pray that more people will recognise this miracle and what it means for them.
- Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to the nations (Matthew 9:37-38).
- Then, ask the Father what you can do to help proclaim the gospel to the whole world (Matthew 24:14).
- He may not call you to go to the nations, but He may call you to actovely pray for and support those who do.
Billions of people do not know the Christmas story, that they can be included in God’s family. Through Jesus, all nations will be blessed, and He wants you to be a part of the rescue plan.
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