Thursday

December 10

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” Matthew 2:10-12

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory,” Isaiah 6:3.  “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come,” Revelation 4:8.

The magi were exceedingly glad, worshipped Christ, and opened up gifts unto Him, even risking their lives in disobedience to the king to show their reverence for Jesus. 

Whatever the purpose behind the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, what we do know is that the magi, were overcome with joy and  presented the Christ-child with wonderful, valuable gifts. 

Throughout scripture, heavenly beings and men alike, rejoice in the presence of the Lord and lay gifts and even their lives at His feet.  Here in this story, even the stars acknowledged the presence of Christ.

This Christmas, what will you be willing to lay before Christ’s feet?  How will you acknowledge the presence of the Christ this Christmas?

References

Biblical Archaeology Society Staff. (November 26, 2019). Why did the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Bible Story Daily.

Compound Interest. (December, 23, 2014). The chemistry of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Explorations of Everyday Chemical Compounds.

James, S. (October 5, 2018). Why gold, frankincense, and myrrh were given to baby Jesus. Retrieved from Crosswalk.com.

Mathis, D. (December 24, 2011). We three kings of Orient aren’t. Retrieved from DesiringGod.org.

Piper, J. (2010). Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Retrieved from DesiringGod.org.

Nathan Gilbert