Tag: #Gold

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Myrrh, The Gift of Purification

Prepare Ye The Way

So far, we have unwrapped two gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus. In our last post, we discovered the second gift of frankincense, a gift of worship – fit for a king!

The Gift of Myrrh

Today, we unwrap the final gift – a reddish-brown sap from a thorny tree native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal gift of life.

Why Myrrh?

Myrrh is known for its sacred tradition and somber significance.

Image Created by AI

It’s earthy scent.
It’s healing and purifying properties.
Its historical roots are in spiritual rituals and anointing kings.

Myrrh’s aromatic resin is a gift of preparation. It perfectly symbolizes the purpose of Jesus’ life and mission.

Think back to Esther’s purification rites. It represents readiness and sanctification. Today, it lingers in the air, reminding us to prepare ourselves.

Myrrh: The Gift of Purification

This gift invites us to examine our hearts and reflect on spiritual purity. Are we prepared to stand before God’s throne?

Let’s reflect for a moment on ourselves.
Where do we fall on a scale of 1 to 10?

We know myrrh has been used throughout history as a sacred oil. Its spiritual value has been used in different religions and cultures as a source of purification and grounding. Ancient Egyptians used it for mummification and embalming. And in the Hebrew Bible, myrrh was used to anoint kings.

Thus, myrrh points directly to Jesus – the King of Kings.

Jesus & Myrrh: Perfect Together

This third gift foreshadows the death of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus’s suffering and death were necessary for humanity to reconcile with God. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb.

For you.
And for me.

Reflecting on this gift, we are reminded that Christmas’s joy leads to Easter’s hope. Baby Jesus, born in a wooden manger, was destined to die on a wooden cross. Right from the very beginnning.

The Eternal Message of Myrrh

The Gifts of the Wise Men reminds us that the story of Christmas does not end in Bethlehem. It points us to the cross, where Jesus laid down His life so we might have eternal life.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, remember the sacrifice He made out of love for us. Myrrh challenges us to embrace God’s purpose: to redeem, heal, and restore.

In our next series, 12 Days of Isaiah 40, we will explore the prophecies that point to the promise of Christmas.

Thank you for unwrapping The Gifts with me on this first part of Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Gold #Frankincense #Myrrh #Purification #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah40 #Christmas #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Frankincense, The Gift of Worship

Prepare Ye The Way

As we continue to unwrap the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus, we travel into the deep woods of significant treasure. In our last post, we explored the first gift of gold, a gift fit for a king!

The Gift of Frankincense

Today, we turn our noses to frankincense—a fragrant resin from trees that typically grow in dry mountain regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal gift of life.

Let’s see how frankincense, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Frankincense?

Frankincense is known for its sacred tradition and profound meaning.

Image created by AI

It’s woody.
It can be inhaled.
It can be absorbed by the skin.
It can be taken as a supplement.

This precious gift perfectly symbolizes Jesus’ spiritual nature.

Throughout history, frankincense has been central to religious ceremonies. Think about incense in the church. It carries a sacred aroma that lingers in the air, transcending our spirits to another world.

It is quite an experience. Don’t you think?

Frankincense: The Gift for a King

This gift calls us to reflect on Jesus’ divine nature and His role as a great High Priest. It reminds us of the bridge between heaven and earth. And how our prayers, like incense, rise to God.

Every day we are reminded of God’s omnipresence. Let’s take a deep breath and say “Yah” as we inhale and “Weh” as we exhale. Feel it? THAT is the presence of God.

The sacred syllables of “Yahweh” remind us that every breath is a gift from God, connecting us to His presence.

As we prepare for Christmas, let the gift of frankincense invite us into worship. Just like the hymn, We Three Kings...

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all humans raising,
Worship Him,
God on high.

May we follow the wise men to Jesus. There, at the manger, we can worship the King of Kings.

In the next post, we unwrap the third and final treasure of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Baby Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Gold #Frankincense #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Prepare Ye The Way

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will talk about the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus.

In our last post, we provided a brief overview of the biblical text to provide a framework.

The Gift of Gold

Today, we start with gold—a gift symbolizing royalty and acknowledging Jesus as the King of all creation.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal reign of Christ.

Let’s see how gold, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Gold?

Gold is known for its endurance.

Image created by AI using biblical text

It’s stability.
It’s power to stand the test of time.
It is the perfect precious metal to symbolize the kingship of Jesus.

Looking back on history, we see how gold is represented in royalty and divinity. Take the ephod, a priestly garment, for example. You can google it for more detailed information. It is fascinating to see gold’s role in royalty and the sacred.

Gold: The Gift for a King

Gold has always been a symbol of royalty and wealth. By presenting gold, the Magi acknowledged Jesus’ kingship. He was not just the King of the Jews but the King of all creation. This gift aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

As we reflect on this gift, we are reminded how Jesus brings us love, peace, and hope. If we open our hearts to God, we can embrace the Baby Jesus and honor Him as King of Kings.

King of Kings

For those who truly wish to prepare their hearts for Christmas, take a moment from your busy day today and listen to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. As you prepare ye the way to the Lord this Christmas season, I hope the triumphant melody will remind you of the gold the wise men brought to Baby Jesus. The same baby who grows up to become the King of Kings who reigns forever and ever.

In our next post, we will unwrap the second gift of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections