GIFTS

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented GIFTS to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” – Matthew 2:11

We continue in the celebration of God’s GIFT to humanity as we meditate on the GIFTS He received! God is the Greatest Giver: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jam.1:17). He gave His Best: “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom.8:32). What can we give in return for God’s inestimable Gift? At least, we can learn from the account of wise men from the east, and the gifts they brought to worship the GIFT – the newly born King Jesus (Mt.2:11). I have often wondered what use an infant would have for gold, frankincense, and myrrh! The primary significance lay in their royal value – they were gifts fit for a king! Although Scripture does not directly attach any symbolic meaning to the gifts, it’s reasonable to draw a few inferences. Although these prized gifts were obviously intended to honor Jesus, they may carry deeper spiritual significance.

Gold, as it is today, was a valued commodity in the ancient world. Among the assets listed in the Bible – precious metals, livestock, servants, and gemstones – accumulation of gold was one of the chief measures of wealth (Gen.13:2; Eccl.2:8). Because of its rarity and immense value, gold was associated with royalty and nobility: the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon bearing great quantities of gold (1 Kings 10). The wise men thus underscored the royalty of Jesus. Gold may also have prophetically foreshadowed the redemptive aspect of Jesus’ ministry. Under the Old Covenant, the walls of the Most Holy Place and the altar within it were completely overlaid with gold (1 Kgs.6:20-22). This was an inner sanctuary within the Temple where the priest encountered the presence of God and offered a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus – Immanuel – is the Perfect and eternal Sacrifice for our redemption!

Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin that is still widely used in parts of the Middle East and Africa. It is produced by scraping the bark of certain native species of trees and then harvesting the beads of resin after being dried. When burned as incense, it creates a striking and beautiful aroma. In ancient times, the cost of frankincense precluded it from being used as a common household air freshener, but for ceremonial worship of deity. It’s inclusion as a gift for Jesus may have indicated that the wise men understood that the deity of the newborn king. Again, burning incense at the altar was a key part of the sacrificial system in the Tabernacle and, later, in the Temple (Exo.30:34-35). Jesus’ life was a pure and holy offering!

Myrrh is a fragrant spice derived from the sap of a Near East native tree native. It was also used as incense, but in the ancient world, had wider usage as a perfume, anointing oil, and was even imbibed as a medicinal tonic. Most notable with regard to Jesus’ life, myrrh was a key ingredient in the mixture of spices that were used to prepare bodies for burial (Jh.19:39-40).  Perhaps this gift was indicating Jesus’ humanity and the manner in which He would His people – by dying for us (Isa.53:5). Again, there is a Temple connection with myrrh: liquid myrrh was a main ingredient in the anointing oil used to ceremonially prepare the priests, instruments, altar, and the Temple itself before sacrifices could be made (Exo.30:23).

All three gifts reveal thought-provoking implications relating to Jesus’ life and ministry. What’s your value of Jesus? Who is He to you? Do you know Him as your Lord, Saviour and King? What gifts have you prepared for Him who is the Reason for this Season? Give Him your very heart and life, and you’ll receive the very best of blessings!