Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
Yesterday, we focused on the dedication of the Wise Men. Today, let’s look at the profound gifts they presented to the Christ child.
Matthew 2:11 (KJV) records their action after they found Jesus: "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
These weren’t just expensive presents. They were three specific offerings that perfectly prophesied the life and destiny of Jesus Christ:
Gold: This was the gift for a King. Gold represented royalty, sovereignty, and divine authority. The Wise Men acknowledged the baby as the King of the Jews and the King of the World.
Frankincense: This was a fragrant, costly incense used in the Temple. It was the gift for a Priest or for deity, symbolizing prayer, worship, and the holiness of God.
Myrrh: This was an expensive embalming oil used to prepare bodies for burial. It was the gift for a Sacrifice, prophesying His suffering, death, and burial.
Isn't that incredible? This tiny infant was acknowledged with gifts that spoke of a throne, a temple, and a tomb. The Wise Men didn't just bring presents; they brought prophecy wrapped up in treasure.
What does this mean for our own giving? It reminds us that our gifts to Christ should be intentional, costly, and focused on His full identity. When we give to the Lord—whether it’s our time, our money, or our talent—we are acknowledging Him in these three ways:
As King: We give because He rules over all we possess.
As Priest: We give as an act of worship and reverence.
As Sacrifice: We give knowing that He gave His life for us, and our response must involve personal sacrifice.
The Magi’s act of opening their treasures teaches us that worship is not just bowing down; it is also opening our hands and giving Him our best. They didn't give Him leftovers or what they didn't want; they gave Him high-value, specific treasures.
Let's use this day to think about the quality of the "gifts" we bring to Christ. Are we offering Him our gold (our highest value), our frankincense (our sincere worship), and our myrrh (our willingness to surrender our lives to His purpose, even the hard parts)? When we truly worship the King, our generosity reflects His worthiness.