What Are You Giving Jesus For Christmas?

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” … 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 and of incense and of myrrh. [Matthew 2:1-2,11]

What are you giving for Christmas?

Any kid will tell you that’s the wrong question. As they tear into the wrapping paper around the tree, the questions will most likely be some variation of, “Whatja get?”

But the familiar account of the wise men records the giving, not the getting. The Magi offered gifts that held both immediate and prophetic significance.

Gold had obvious value to a poor family with a new baby. Gold was also a common gift for royalty and signified Jesus’ kingship.

Frankincense (incense) was a highly valuable substance that burned with a sweet fragrance and provided the added benefit of repelling pests and therefore protecting the tiny baby. Frankincense was also part of the holy anointing oil used by priests in the temple. This gift signified Jesus’ role as high priest.

Myrrh was another ingredient of the holy anointing that also served as an effective deodorant and preservative. Because of its preservative qualities, myrrh was also used in the ritual anointing of bodies following death. It pointed toward Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The Magi carried their gifts on a long, dangerous journey. Their one thousand mile camel trip would have required several weeks of difficult travel, all so they could lay treasures at a baby’s feet in an attitude of humility and worship.

So what should we give Jesus for Christmas?

We don’t have to climb aboard an uncomfortable camel and follow a star to a distant, unknown destination. He certainly doesn’t need our insignificant earthly treasures. What can we possibly offer the King of the universe as an appropriate Christmas gift?

He asks us to make our own journey, not to Bethlehem but to the foot of the cross. He asks us to leave there the gifts of our sorrows, burdens, worries, and regrets. And he asks us, like those Magi in an obscure house more than two thousand years ago, to bow down and worship Him.

What are you giving Jesus for Christmas?