Read:

Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Think:

I love to wrap presents. It’s not that I am really good at it, but the scene of happy chaos with the dining room table awash with paper, tape, ribbon, scissors, and a Christmas song playing in the background, makes me smile. It is so traditional and simple.

The wise men’s gifts were quite the opposite: gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were costly and symbolic. The gift of gold represented Jesus’ royalty. He was the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was an acknowledgement of his right to rule.

Frankincense was an incense used in temple worship. It was used to anoint the priests of Israel, and it was a part of the meal offering that was given in thanksgiving and praise to God. It denoted that Jesus is our High Priest who came to intercede for us.

Myrrh was used for embalming — odd for a baby gift — but the Old Testament foretold His suffering. His death would change our future.

These gifts painted a picture of who He came to be for us. And the wise men offered them as an act of worship, to show their devotion and belief in his future.

Act:

What are you giving Jesus this season? Are you being self-centered or surrendered? Step outside of your comfort zone and give the gift of yourself. Serve for one of our Christmas Eve services if you attend FC and touch the lives of people searching for Jesus. Fellowshipchurch.com/Christmas-at-Fellowship

Pray:

Jesus, help me to be generous like the wise men. Help me focus on someone else’s needs today by giving the gift of myself — the greatest gift I have to offer you. Amen.