Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh...gifts fit for the King of Kings.
Recently, we studied the meaning of the gifts which were given to Jesus by the magi (wisemen).
GOLD
Gold has been a symbol of royalty since Old Testamant times. Remember that the Ark of the Covenant was adorned with gold as was the Temple built by Solomon.
The gift of gold reminds us that the LORD Jesus Christ is our King!
FRANKINCENSE
In ancient times, it was thought that the smoke from burning incense carried prayers to Heaven and, therefore, God. Jesus, through His work on the cross has restored our relationship with Father God and we are able to pray to God because He has made intercession for us.
The gift of frakincense reminds us that the LORD Jesus Christ is our Priest!
MYRRH
Among other uses, myrrh was found in oils which were used to anoint priests. But there is another meaning in the myrrh which was given to Jesus:
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. (Psalm 45:1-8)
and:
38And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 39And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. 41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. 42There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. (John 19:38-42)
In addition to its use as an anointing oil, myrrh was used as a sort of embalming agent. The gift of myrrh signified that Jesus was born to die for us.
The gift of myrrh reminds us that the LORD Jesus Christ is our Savior!
So, what is the true meaning of Christmas? That the LORD Jesus Christ, both God and the Son of God, came to earth in the flesh, knowing full well the suffering He would endure. Obediently, He gave His life to please His Father God and because He loves us. And He gave and suffered with joy! He suffered, He died, and three days later he conquered death when He arose from the grave! This was His FREE GIFT to us. It was the only way to restore our relationship with God.
That is a gift that only the King of Kings is fit to give!
Thank you LORD Jesus.
Comments(3)