“Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of frankincense and of myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Who doesn’t like gifts? At Christmas, my thoughts turn to gifts for my kids and grandkids. What would they like to receive? What can I afford? What would make them happy? Many thoughts whirl around in my head. Since I’m a “gifts” person, I like to give, and I like to receive!
Many people today trace the practice of giving gifts to the Magi on that first “Christmas” who gave the Christ child gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts, as well as the long, perilous journey the givers made, are great examples of giving and sacrifice for us today. Gold is one of the most expensive treasures on earth. Even at Jesus’ birth, this metal was highly prized. The inside and outside of the Temple in Jerusalem was covered with gold. To give gold to a baby would have been unheard of unless that child was a king! The wise men must have had divine insight into the future work of Jesus to present the child with such a gift. Did they know the gold would be used to support the most important work the world would ever know?
The wise men brought Frankincense, this was a symbol of worship. Did they know this child would be a central figure in God’s perfect plan for man? At Christ’s birth, the frankincense tree was considered so sacred that only those pure of heart and mind could touch it! Frankincense was made from the sap of the tree and combined with oil, used for anointing kings, priests and rulers. This wise man must have understood Jesus’ mission on earth.
Myrrh, a resin used in burial ceremonies, was rare and expensive. Myrrh was the most unique gift the wise men presented to Jesus. Today, this gift would be like bringing a coffin to a baby shower! Why was this “death spice” given along with gold and frankincense? The Bible doesn’t say, but some scholars believe the wise men understood the mission of this newborn king’s life, work, and death.
Christmas gifts were not part of the holidays in the United States and England until after the American Revolution. However, many people did receive gifts on New Year’s Day and some gifts were given on January 6. It wasn’t until 1820 when the poem “The Night Before Christmas” written by Clement Moore was widely distributed in newspapers and magazines that everything changed! Suddenly, children heard that presents should arrive on Christmas Eve! Then Dickens, “The Christmas Carol” added to the concept of presents on Christmas morning! After the Civil War, Santa appeared in stores and America became the center of gift-giving at Christmas!
While many think the tradition brings too much commercialism and added stress for the holidays, it can open the door to teaching about the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus was the king who came to give, not to take. His gift was the ultimate sacrifice. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 6:23. Hallelujah!! He knew His mission as a baby in the manger! A friend handed me a card with this written on it: Jesus’ words from the manger: “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me – To do Your Will, O God.’” Hebrews 10:5-7. In all the gift-giving of Christmas, let us not forget WHY Jesus came. He came to give His life a ransom for many. The greatest GIFT of all!!
Your friend, Jean