God's Glory Church

“And having opened their treasuries, they offered Him their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11

The Epiphany is a celebration of the event sung in the Christmas carol “Behold, the wise men come from the east.” It is believed that the pagan sages visited the Baby Jesus on this day. Various legends have been made about them, for example, that they were three kings from far eastern lands. It is unlikely that they were kings and came from India or China. We also don’t know how many there were.

However, there were really three gifts, and each of them is considered in the song. The evangelist Matthew reports that the wise men found Jesus in Bethlehem and, “opening their treasuries, offered Him their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). These objects symbolized the future ministry of Jesus. Gold represents Him as King. The incense that was used to burn incense in the sanctuary speaks of His divinity. And on myrrh it is worth dwelling in more detail.

The fourth verse of the song says: “They gave myrrh for the sufferer and put it at his feet, they brought this gift for the future and those who are grieving.” We probably wouldn’t have included such a scene in the Christmas story, but God did. Jesus’ death is central to our salvation. Herod even tried to kill Him as a child (v. 13).

The last couplet connects all three themes into one whole: “Glory is He, the Risen Lord! The king and God suffered for the people.” It gives fullness to the Christmas story, inspiring us to respond, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Heaven sings to Him.”

How do you feel when you think that Jesus was born to die for you? What does His resurrection inspire you to do?

Heavenly Father, may Your Spirit help me to live with gratitude that Your Son gave His life for me.

Author: Tim Gustavson