The Christmas Gifts

On that day in Bethlehem a child was born and a star shone bright in the sky. A bright star to show the way to worship the King. Three wise men from the East came to Jerusalem in search of the King of the Jews.

Matthew 2:1--2 - Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Verse 9 and 10 say - They followed the star they had seen in the East till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

These were no ordinary men; they were the wise men of the land. They were prominent figures of the time, upstanding, with influence over others. They probably also held high positions.

Verse 11 says - And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

They knew that the child before them was the King and fell down and worshiped Him. They were indeed wise men. Wisdom only God could give was given to them, to know that a small child was the King that was promised.

They brought gifts for the child. How odd to bring such gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to a child. It would only be fitting to bring a gift to a King of great value, so gold was given. It would only be fitting to give the gift of frankincense to a Priest. Lastly it would only be fitting to give the gift of myrrh to a Savior.

You see myrrh was used for embalming the dead and would only be given to indicate His coming death and resurrection. Jesus had come to pay the penalty for our sins. To die on a cross and be the Savior of the world. The wise men knew even back then who He was. A King, a Priest and our Savior.