Day 5: Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh (Give God Your Gifts)

Don't Go Empty-Handed Before A King

A few years ago, I was invited to be a guest on a podcast hosted by a well-known pastor I deeply respected. As I was preparing for our podcast conversation, I heard the Lord prompt me to create an artwork as a gift for the pastor. All I heard from the Lord was, "Don't come empty-handed before a king." Obviously, this was a pastor, not a literal king, but I think the Lord was teaching me something about showing kingdom honour.

Gifts For Meeting The King

When the wise men travelled, following the star in the sky until they found Jesus, they didn't arrive empty-handed. They made preparations to meet the King of the Jews. They brought with them gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ⚱️

There are so many prophetic and symbolic meanings to what the three gifts of the Magi may have represented. I did some research, and here are some suggestions for us to consider*:

Gold, Frankincense + Myrrh Meanings

Gold: A symbol of Jesus' royalty and kingship

Frankincense: Frankincense was traditionally used in worship and highlights Jesus' divinity

Myrrh: Because Myrrh was an oil used to consecrate Levitical priests, and was also used as a burial ointment, it symbolised Jesus' humanity, through His passion and death.

Your Life Today

So how does this connect to our lives today?

Pope St. Gregory the Great suggests* that the three gifts the wise men presented to Jesus are gifts we are still able to offer God today:

Gold: Gold is Christ's wisdom shining through our lives

Frankincense: Frankincense is the worship, prayer, and adoration we give Him

Myrrh: Myrrh represents the sacrifices we make in our daily lives to the Lord.

We might not have tangible, physical gifts to offer the Lord, but I think He's looking for something different from us; a gift of our daily life. Worship through the way we live.

How can you offer Him a gift through your life today?

* Ref: https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-gold-frankincense-and-myrrh-as-gifts