Daily Devo
King Jesus
By: Lisa Boisvert
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
At Christmas we remember the Magi's journey to see Christ. That verse from Matthew tells us they brought Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but why? What is the meaning behind those gifts they presented to Jesus?
The first gift they presented to Jesus was gold. Gold was, and still is, very valuable. It is a substitute for coins and currency, but in ancient times, Gold was known as "a gift fit for a king."
The second gift mentioned is frankincense. Frankincense is a incense made from tree resin (sap), and it is extremely fragrant. The priests burned it in the Jewish Temple as a fragrant worship offering to God. The Magi gave Frankincense to Jesus as a symbolic way of worshipping Him.
The third gift given was myrrh. Myrrh is a fragrant spice that is also made from tree resin. It was added to the sacred anointing oil that was only used in God's holy temple. Exodus 30:22-29 says anything or anyone anointed with this sacred oil "will be holy."
None of this happened by chance! God prompted the Magi to bring these specific gifts to Jesus for a reason. The gifts they brought symbolize three specific things:
- Jesus was (and is) King.
- Jesus deserved their worship.
- Jesus was (and is) Holy.
What else can we learn from the Magi's gifts? Those three items were extremely valuable, but the Magi were willing to share their riches with King Jesus. What about us? Are we giving our best to Jesus? Are we willing to give valuable things (our tithes and offerings) to God? Are we willing to sacrifice part of our wealth to expand His kingdom?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
We may not bring God frankincense and myrrh, but our worship is a fragrant gift to God. New Testament believers don't burn incense at the Temple; we worship the Lord with songs of praise that express our love. Today is Christmas Eve, so many of us will be attending a Christmas Eve service. As you sing songs of praise, imagine your "joyful noise" as a fragrant offering to the Lord. Sing from your heart as you worship your King!
Christmas isn't just a season, it's a time to celebrate God’s extraordinary gift to us. As you celebrate our Savior's birth, imagine yourself bringing King Jesus the symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh!