On researching the wise men’s gift choices, it was discovered that all three gifts carried a special meaning.
Gold was a symbol of royalty. Frankincense was a rare commodity burned on the Altar of Incense, where God’s people offered up prayers to Heaven, and represented worship. Myrrh was a rare perfume used most commonly for burials, included as bodies were wrapped to prevent the smell of decay. This treasured gift seems to represent that Jesus was born to die.
The wise men were so intentional with their gifts, leaving us an example to be followed.
The culture we live in encourages us to buy more and more, filling the floor in our homes with towers of overflowing presents. Yet the wise men remind us of the beauty in simplicity and intentionality. That one special gift that you take the time to pick out for someone may mean more to them than all of the other gifts they receive. And like the gifts of the wise men, it may just become known as a treasure.
