The Christmas narrative, recounted annually, is rich with layers of meaning and spiritual depth. As content creators for lawyergift.net, we aim to explore these facets, particularly focusing on the intriguing aspect of the gifts presented by the Wise Men. While the birth of Jesus itself is central to the Christmas story, the arrival of these foreign dignitaries bearing symbolic gifts adds another dimension to the narrative, highlighting Jesus’s multifaceted identity and foreshadowing his earthly mission. This exploration will delve into the profound meaning behind the Three Wise Men Gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – and their enduring relevance for Christians today.
Unpacking the Gifts of the Magi
The account in Matthew’s Gospel introduces us to the Magi, often referred to as Wise Men, who journeyed from the East to worship the newborn King. Guided by a celestial star, they arrived in Bethlehem and presented Jesus with three distinct gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These were not arbitrary presents; each gift was laden with symbolic meaning, foreshadowing different aspects of Jesus’s life and ministry.
Gold: A Gift Fit for a King
The first gift, gold, is universally recognized as a precious metal, historically associated with royalty and wealth. Presenting gold to Jesus signified acknowledging his kingly status. In ancient times, gold was a customary tribute to monarchs, as exemplified by the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, where she bestowed upon him “very much gold and precious stones” (1 Kings 10:2). The Wise Men, inquiring, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2), clearly understood the regal implications of their quest and the appropriateness of gold as an offering.
This gift of gold underscores Jesus’s sovereignty and kingship. He is not merely a benevolent teacher or prophet, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, destined to rule over all creation. As the hymn “O Holy Night” proclaims, “Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever! His power and glory evermore proclaim.” The gold reminds us that Jesus’s authority is absolute and eternal, a truth often understated in contemporary celebrations that may focus more on the infant Jesus than the reigning King. Recognizing Jesus as King necessitates submitting to his rule and serving him wholeheartedly, a transformative act empowered by the Holy Spirit, as Paul states, “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Frankincense: A Fragrance of Divinity and Priesthood
Frankincense, the second gift, is a fragrant resin obtained from trees of the Boswellia genus. In ancient times, it was highly valued and used in perfumes and incense, particularly in religious ceremonies. Within the Old Testament, frankincense held a sacred place in the worship of Yahweh. Exodus 30:34 details the Lord’s instructions to Moses for creating holy incense, which included “pure frankincense.” This incense was burned daily in the tabernacle, offering a “pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 2:2).
The gift of frankincense symbolically points to Jesus’s priestly role and his divine nature. As the ultimate High Priest, Jesus mediates between God and humanity, offering the perfect sacrifice – himself – for the sins of the world. His life was a “pleasing aroma” to God, marked by perfect obedience and righteousness. Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament sacrificial system, becoming the ultimate atonement for sin. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Frankincense, therefore, serves as a fragrant reminder of Jesus’s priestly ministry and the salvation we receive through his atoning sacrifice, not through our own merit.
Myrrh: An Anointing for Death and Burial
Myrrh, the final gift, is another aromatic resin, but unlike frankincense, it carries a somber association with suffering and death. In the Old Testament, myrrh was a component of the sacred anointing oil used to consecrate priests and sacred objects, signifying their set-apartness for holy purposes. However, myrrh was also used for embalming and burial preparations due to its preservative and aromatic qualities.
The Wise Men’s gift of myrrh foreshadows Jesus’s suffering and sacrificial death. It is a poignant reminder that the baby born in Bethlehem was destined for a life of suffering culminating in crucifixion. Mark 15:23 mentions that Jesus was offered “wine mixed with myrrh” on the cross, likely as a pain reliever, which he refused, choosing to endure the full agony of the crucifixion. Furthermore, John 19:39-40 describes Nicodemus bringing “a mixture of myrrh and aloes” for Jesus’s burial, highlighting myrrh’s direct connection to death and interment. This gift, presented at the beginning of Jesus’s life, poignantly anticipates his ultimate sacrifice and burial, underscoring the purpose for which he was born – to die for the sins of humanity. However, the story doesn’t end in the tomb; myrrh also points to the victory over death through resurrection. The spices meant to mask decay became witnesses to an empty tomb and a risen Savior.
The Enduring Gift of Salvation
The gifts of the Wise Men are more than just precious items; they are symbolic pronouncements about Jesus’s identity and mission. Gold proclaims him King, frankincense recognizes him as Priest and divine offering, and myrrh foreshadows his sacrificial death and eventual triumph over it. These three wise men gifts, therefore, encapsulate the essence of the Christmas story – the arrival of the Messiah who is King, Priest, and Savior.
While we may not offer gold, frankincense, or myrrh in a literal sense today, we are called to offer gifts of worship, devotion, and service to the King of Kings. The Wise Men’s journey and their gifts serve as a timeless invitation to recognize and receive the ultimate gift that Jesus offers to humanity – the gift of salvation. This Christmas, let us reflect on the profound symbolism of these gifts and respond with hearts full of gratitude for the King who came to save the world. Let us not only celebrate the birth of baby Jesus but also acknowledge and worship Christ the King, the High Priest, and the Savior whose sacrifice offers us eternal life. This is the true significance of the three wise men gifts – a message of hope, redemption, and the multifaceted nature of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
