We all know the story of the Three Wise Men who came Bethlehem to honor the baby Jesus. They brought three gifts with them: gold, frankincense and myrrh. I have read this Gospel story many times but have not really looked at the deeper meaning of it. I asked myself why these three gifts? Shouldn’t they have brought more sensible gifts like food, blankets or diapers? Or was there more significance to these gifts? As I have been studying the Bible the past few years I find there is always more symbolism to be discovered! The Magi presented Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were very prophetic for they spoke of our Lord's offices of King, Priest, and Savior. The Gifts of the Magi do, indeed, hold special significance:
Gold: This carries obvious significance. It's precious and worthy across all cultures and times. It's a gift fit for royalty. It says to the Christ child, You will be a King
Frankincense: This resin is touted for its medicinal and soothing properties. Herbalists say it is calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative. Ancient people burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven. Its use as incense illustrates His role as our Priest.
Myrrh: This is perhaps the most mysterious of the Gifts. Myrrh is an Arabic word for bitter, and it is considered a wound healer because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calling it mo yao, the Chinese used it for centuries to treat wounds, bruises and bleeding and to relieve painful swelling.
This holiday season (which really begins on Christmas!) let us accept from the hand of our Lord the gifts He desires to give to us; the same gifts He received. Gold (salvation), frankincense (holiness), and myrrh (suffering and subsequent healing), that we might be one with Him as He is one with the Father.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Sources: http://www.magi-gifts.com/
Catholic Source Book – Harcourt Religion Publishers
Gold: This carries obvious significance. It's precious and worthy across all cultures and times. It's a gift fit for royalty. It says to the Christ child, You will be a King
Frankincense: This resin is touted for its medicinal and soothing properties. Herbalists say it is calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative. Ancient people burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven. Its use as incense illustrates His role as our Priest.
Myrrh: This is perhaps the most mysterious of the Gifts. Myrrh is an Arabic word for bitter, and it is considered a wound healer because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calling it mo yao, the Chinese used it for centuries to treat wounds, bruises and bleeding and to relieve painful swelling.
This holiday season (which really begins on Christmas!) let us accept from the hand of our Lord the gifts He desires to give to us; the same gifts He received. Gold (salvation), frankincense (holiness), and myrrh (suffering and subsequent healing), that we might be one with Him as He is one with the Father.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Sources: http://www.magi-gifts.com/
Catholic Source Book – Harcourt Religion Publishers
No comments:
Post a Comment