Kingly Gifts

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

Reflect: When the wise men came they brought gifts. This is why we give gifts during Christmas. What gifts can you give to Jesus during this time of year and all year long?

Request (Prayer): Ask God to show you what gifts you can give Him and His people (other Christians).

When the wise men came to the birthplace of Christ, they brought Him 3 gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. There is great significance in these 3 gifts, and the symbolism that each holds really explains the entire being of Christ.

The wise men may have not known the exact reasoning of each gift, but the gifts mean much more than just the gifts the magi brought to Him.

Gold- the gift of gold that was brought to Jesus is a symbol of His Kingship. Jesus is King. He is the King of Kings, the King of the Jews and the Forever Ruling King. He was born a King and still remains King this very day! The gold that Jesus received was to show that He is deserving to receive such a great gift as that!

Frankincense- this was a strong fragrance taken from a tree that was burned during worship services. this gift was a symbol that Christ alone was to be praised and exalted in worship. No other thing should be worshipped, and this gift is to show, that as an offering was received during the time of worship, Christ Himself was going to offer His own life as a sacrifice for our sins.

Myrrh- this was a spice that was used in the embalmment process of preserving a dead body. Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction. The baby, Jesus, would grow to suffer greatly as a man and would a pay the ultimate price when He gave His life on the cross for all who would believe in Him.

These gifts weren’t coincidentally given to the Lord. Although the wise men may have not understood the meaning, we understand it now and we can see clearly why those specific gifts were given to the Lord.

What gifts have you given to the Lord? The greatest gift, and really the only gift we can give to the Lord is our life. Romans 12:1-2 tells us, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Have you given your life over to Christ? If not, do so today!