Matthew 2:11 “They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Gift giving is a wonderful tradition of Christmas. Finding that perfect gift for that special someone involves careful shopping. While the search can be agonizing, how rewarding it is when the gift is opened and you know you hit the mark!
Jesus’ birth was attended with gifts. When the wise men came to see Jesus they presented the Savior with gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These gifts were not the result of a spur of the moment shopping spree before they left their homes in the east. No, these men carefully selected the gifts they presented to Jesus. They gave gifts befitting the King of Kings. What was the significance of the items presented to the Lord?
Gold is usually thought of as the most precious metal. It was a sign of royalty and majesty. Frankincense is costly incense, sometimes referred to as the incense of deity. It was associated with priests in their service to God. Myrrh signified human mortality. It was used for preparing bodies for burial.
The wise men carefully shopped for the gifts they offered to the Lord. They were conscientious about the things they gave to Him. Each item prophetically told of His life and ministry—gold for a King, frankincense for a High Priest, and myrrh in prediction of Jesus’ sacrificial death.
As you shop for special items for the special people in your life this Christmas, think about what gift you need to give to the Lord. Don’t let this season go by without giving something meaningful to Him.
PRAYER
Lord, as we shop for gifts for others, we want to consider the gift we need to give to you. Thank you for the example of the wise men who brought to you carefully chosen presents. Help us to be conscious of the gift you most want from us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
