Gifts for the King

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, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

There’s a reason why Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year,” and it has nothing to do with presents. During the holidays, the whole world seems to take on a bright, happy glow. Between the festive decorations that adorn people’s homes and the colorful keepsakes that festoon our Christmas trees, there is something merry and bright everywhere we look. For me, though, more than the festivities, food, and family, it is the birth of my Savior that causes my heart to swell with joy and adoration. 

Every year for the past eight years, I’ve been blessed to spend Christmas with my beloved family in Colorado. As much as I enjoy the walks my mother, brother, and I take together in the crisp, cool air and the jubilance I feel as we laugh together, it is the power of presence that makes this time so precious. The greatest gifts are always those that are intangible. 

This principle was exemplified by the gifts presented by the Wise Men or Magi to Jesus. More than simple offerings, their presents demonstrated a unique understanding of the Christ child.

The gift of gold was given in acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship. Such a treasure was only provided to royalty. For the Magi to present this gift was to concede his royal governance over their lives. 

Frankincense is a costly resin used as a holy incense in religious ceremonies. Far from common usage, frankincense was burned by priests in honor of a deity. One would hardly provide such a gift without recognition of its devout symbolism. 

Myrrh is a spice used in biblical times as an anointing oil or perfume, used to prepare the deceased’s body for burial. While we can’t be certain, perhaps the Magi chose this gift in recognition of Jesus’s impending death and resurrection for all of humanity. 

In combination, these royal gifts present a depth of understanding of Christ’s royalty, deity, and purpose. Would that we all had such wisdom in our perception of Jesus. 

What gifts do we now offer our King? We don’t need to see Christ to worship at His feet and acknowledge His divine lordship over our lives. God doesn’t ask us to present costly gifts to Him. He only asks that we love, recognize, and accept Him as our Savior. When we do so, we are receiving the greatest gift that has ever been given to humanity – the gift of eternal life, paid for by the blood of Christ. How could we ever provide anything less than our own lives in return? 

Years ago, I wrote a poem entitled “The Greatest Gift.” While it’s too long to share in this forum, I end with the final stanzas in summation and remembrance of this very thing. 

Should I bring you more frankincense, myrrh, or pure gold, 

Like the Wise Men once brought you in stories of old? 

I can’t bring you riches, in full or in part. 

What I can give you, freely, is my servant’s heart. 

I bring you my soul, Lord, so use me this day. 

You determine my path, and I’ll do what you say. 

This Christmas, I give back to the Potter my clay. 

Lord, mold me and use me, dear Father, I pray. 

This Christmas, I give my heart, soul, and life to Jesus. He is my everything, and I give all I am to Him, today and every day. My life, after all, is the only gift I can present that is worthy of my King. My prayer is that you, too, will do the same. 

This Christmas, give your life away to Jesus. It is the most significant offering you will ever give in return for the most incredible gift you will ever receive.