I had never thought about the two groups selected to worship the newborn Savior of the world until now. After some reflection, I came to realize the differences between these groups symbolize one’s willingness to serve under any circumstance.

A group of kings came from the East, traveled far to discover the reason for a new star in the sky. With them, they provided gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh–gifts to show honor and humility to the recipient: a newborn king, Christ. In the scriptures, we’re not told how they knew to find the Savior, but we are told that in a shared dream they were warned to not report back to Herod. So they adored the Savior and then returned home.

The other group was shepherds that worked locally. After being visited by the host of heaven, these men hastened to the Savior’s side. Their humility was greater than the kings’ humility since they brought no gift–they had none to give.

I am more like a shepherd than a king. I have nothing to give Christ except for my humility and devotion. There are no riches I can give Him. Those are gifts He does not need.

All He desires is that I accept His gift of the atonement and to keep our Father’s commandments to love God and our fellow man as we love ourselves.