Jimbo's Jots

Last week we talked about the gift of gold, supposedly given by Melchior, the oldest of the magi. One thing I forgot to mention was this: gold was a symbol of royalty and power. Very few in the time of Jesus’ birth had any gold. It was very rare, which is why Jesus uses it in Luke 15 with the woman searching her house for the lost coin.

By offering this gift of gold, Melchior was declaring to the world that this baby would be a powerful force in the world. He was declaring to the world of the Kingship of this child as it fulfilled prophecy: “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:7)

The second gift offered is the frankincense. According to tradition, this was the gift from Balthasar. Frankincense is a tree resin harvested over thousands of years. The resin is used primarily for religious ceremonies. Frankincense is used in daily rituals offered to the gods. It’s sweet aroma was said to please the gods.

In offering the frankincense, you could say that Caspar was introducing the child as the sweet aroma of God’s offering to save the world. In a very real sense, as the Hebrew writer states, Christ is the High Priest: “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.” (Hebrews 9:11) As the High Priest was the only one to go before God the Father to represent the people, this Magi has decreed Jesus the ultimate High Priest for all people.

The third gift of myrrh is a tree resin like frankincense. However, its use was much different. Because of its sweet smell, it was often mixed in oil for medicinal purposes. It was commonly used for burial to preserve the corpse and purify the body for the afterlife. In this gift, Caspar was stating that this King of all people, this High Priest for all, would be the ultimate sacrifice given on behalf of all people.

So as you give gifts and receive gifts this year, I encourage you to be reminded of the gifts given to the Christ child in the Christmas story. Let us all remember that He is King of Kings, the High Priest going before the Father and the Ultimate Sacrifice for our salvation!

Be blessed and be a blessing!