Matthew 2:11c they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

The three wise men presented baby Jesus with these three gifts. It is once again time to visit upon the meaning of gifts. Don’t we all want to present meaningful gifts to our children? So we will look at these.

Gold the most precious of metals was not used in common trade and barter systems of the times. The ability of the poor to obtain and protect gold was impossible. Metaphorically it means the brilliance of the heavens, the bright and morning star. Ref. Revelations 22:16

Frankincense is a white resin used as an element of the holy incense within the temple ceremonial burning. This represents the prayers offered up to God. Ref. Revelation 8:4

Myrrh is a pungent gum with a root meaning to wrap or cover, it was used often in preparation of the dead for burial. Its purpose was cover up or hide the stench of death. Ref. Isaiah 25:7,8

These were three meaningful gifts which spoke directly to the royal birth, the life of faith and the covering of sins due to His death. Those were meaningful but not very practical for a new born.

Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

These impractical gifts for a child gave Joseph and Mary the resources to obey the angels bidding without undue stress on them during those days.

Genesis 22:8a And Abraham said, My son, God will provide

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.