The Original Christmas Gifts
The giving and receiving of gifts at
Christmas is one of the highlights of the season for most children.
Adults seem to enjoy the tradition, also. The origin of this pleasant
practice is, of course, associated with the fact that the wise men came
to Bethlehem and presented gifts to the Christ child.
"On coming to the house, they
saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped
him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of
gold and of incense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)
Each one of these three gifts had a
very specific and special significance. They seem to be prophetic. Each
was predictive of a different aspect of his life and ministry.
The gift of myrrh anticipated the
death and burial of Christ. He was offered it while yet on the cross:
"Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh. but he did not take
it." (Mark 15:23) Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus claimed his
body. "He [Joseph] was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who
earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh
and aloes, about seventy-five pounds." (John 19:39)
The gift of incense or frankincense
signified the priesthood of Christ. In Exodus 30:30-37, God was very
specific in His instructions to Moses about the "fragrant blend of
incense" that was to be mixed and used only for the anointing of a
priest. It was to be considered holy. Oil and incense was to be poured
on a grain offering by a priest before the offering was presented to
God. (Lev. 2:1-2, 2:15-16, 6:15) Both oil and incense were, however, to
be left OUT of a sin offering -- probably implying sinlessness to them.
"If, however, he cannot afford two doves or two young pigeons, he
is to bring as an offering for his sin a tenth of an ephah of fine flour
for a sin offering. He must not put oil or incense on it, because it is
a sin offering." (Leviticus 5:11, also see Numbers 5:15)
The gift of gold spoke of the future
kingship of Christ. Gold is always associated with royalty. Even those
who wish to reign with Christ are counseled (in Revelation 3:18) to
"buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become
rich..."
It is interesting to note that in
the Millennium, gold and incense will again be brought as gifts, but
apparently not myrrh. "Herds of camels will cover your land, young
camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold
and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord." (Isaiah 60:6)
The death of Jesus was final and complete -- there is no need for any
more myrrh.
What gift can you and I give to
Christ this Christmas? The most obvious answer is ourselves. But this
cannot be. We have already given ourselves in consecration to him. We
already belong to him. In reality, though, are we totally and completely
his, or do we hold back some area, some portion of our lives that we
have not yet been willing to completely surrender to his control? He is
our King. Allow him to reign more fully in your life. Search your heart
and life to give him a gift this Christmas.
--- Larry Urbaniak
SOURCE: Berean News