Thought for Christmas – December 22
As we will be opening presents in the next couple of days let’s now focus on the gifts the wise men brought.
For me they were wise to the end in their devotion (Matthew 2:11)
“When at last they had found the Christ, they bowed down and worshipped him. They presented him with gifts.”
To be truly wise is to recognise that it is not enough to discover who Christ is or even what he had done. We also need to give ourselves to him in faith and worship. With their gifts the wise men gave:
A. A Gift Worthy of His Lordship – Gold
Gold has obvious worth. It is a gift fit for royalty. God deserves the very best that we can bring in our hand and hearts.
B. A Gift Worthy of His Holiness – Frankincense
Frankincense is mentioned 17 times in the Bible. It was used as one of four sweet scents compounded together to make the ceremonial incense of the Jews. It was used in both sacrifices and prayer. Its aroma was always present in the Temple grounds. So frankincense symbolised praise and worship of Christ as the Holy One of God
C. A Gift Worthy of His Sacrifice – Myrrh
Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin obtained from several trees and shrubs found in both northern Africa and throughout the entire East. Myrrh was used in Egypt in the embalming process of mummification. There are 22 references to myrrh in the Bible. Myrrh was used to anoint every part of the tabernacle in the wilderness. It was myrrh that was poured out on the feet of Jesus just a week before his death.
How prophetic to have myrrh as one of the gifts presented to him at his birth – this child was born to die. Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins”.
Christmas is sharing our gifts, not purchasing gifts. It’s not wrapping presents, it’d being present and loving those who love you and those who have no one to love them. It’s not getting cards out on time. It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time throughout the year. It’s not having the biggest and best display of Christmas lights, it’s displaying the light of Christ to lighten up others lives. It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, it’s Jesus coming down from heaven and giving us the gift of eternal life.
Some of the thoughts today come from Michael Davidson
