The Gifts

Text: Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:11 (referenced)

Introduction

Imagine the scene: a quiet home in Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph are marveling at their newborn child. Suddenly, strangers from the East arrive, bearing extraordinary gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These Magi, wise men who had followed a star, fall down and worship the child, offering treasures fit for a king. Matthew 2:11 tells us, “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

These gifts are more than mere tokens of honor. They reveal profound truths about who this child is and what He came to accomplish. As we examine these gifts in light of Luke 2’s account of the nativity, we’ll see how they symbolize the kingship, divinity, and sacrificial mission of Jesus Christ. This morning, let us reflect on these gifts and their significance for our faith and worship.

I. Gold: The Gift of Kingship

Key Verse: Luke 2:11 – "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Historical Context:

Imagine hearing the angel's proclamation: “A Savior has been born, and He is Christ the Lord.” This isn’t just a feel-good announcement; it’s a declaration that a King has come. Gold, historically, is the treasure of kings. More than just a shiny metal or a symbol of wealth, it stands as a declaration of authority and power, a visual testament to the sovereignty and majesty of rulers. Think about Solomon’s temple, resplendent with gold—a place that signified the majesty of God dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:10-22). In the ancient world, kings surrounded themselves with gold to demonstrate their sovereignty. When people saw gold, they saw a visual representation of glory, permanence, and divine favor.

Now, consider the irony: this gift of gold, the treasure of kings, is laid before a child in a manger. Not in a palace, not in a fortress, but in the humblest of places. The Magi’s act of offering gold wasn’t just a political gesture; it was an act of worship. The Magi, with gold, were acknowledging that this child was the true King—one whose reign would surpass all others, whose kingdom would never end. This was no ordinary king—He was the King of kings (Revelation 19:16), the one foretold to sit on David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

And here’s what makes this King so unique: He came not to demand, but to serve. Not to enrich Himself, but to give everything. His kingship is not marked by taking from His people but by giving to them—giving them life, peace, and redemption. This gold reminds us of His unparalleled majesty, but it also points us to His humility. What kind of king trades a throne for a manger? Only Jesus, whose glory is magnified in His grace and whose power is revealed in His love.

Theological Significance:

Jesus is not just any king; He is the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). When the Magi presented gold, they weren’t honoring a regional leader; they were recognizing the eternal, divine King who reigns over all creation. The angels declared this reality when they called Him “Christ the Lord,” a title affirming both His divine authority and His fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, promised in (2 Samuel 7:16). He is the promised Messiah who will rule forever.

And think about this—He is a King who did not arrive with pomp or privilege but in a manger. Yet, His humility does not diminish His kingship; it amplifies it. This King did not come to take, but to give—to give us life, redemption, and peace.

Application:

The question we must ask ourselves is this: Is He truly King over our lives? We can’t just acknowledge His kingship in theory. Kingship demands allegiance, obedience, and trust. Submit to Him not only as the ruler of the universe but as the Lord of your heart. What areas of your life need to be brought under His authority today? Whether it’s your finances, relationships, or ambitions, let the gold you bring to Christ be the gold of surrender—offered freely to the One who reigns over all.

II. Frankincense: The Gift of Worship

Key Verse: Luke 2:14 – "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!"

Historical Context:

Frankincense was a precious resin used in temple worship, symbolizing prayers rising to God, as described in Exodus 30:34-38: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Take sweet spices, . . .with pure frankincense . . . And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the Lord. Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people.'"

Its fragrant smoke was more than just an aroma; it was a visual and sensory reminder of worship ascending to the heavens. Psalm 141:2 echoes this sentiment: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you . . . " The priests would burn it during sacrifices, and its scent would fill the temple, representing the connection between heaven and earth. For the Israelites, the smell of frankincense wasn’t just a reminder of sacred rituals—it was a call to commune with God, to approach Him in reverence, humility, and awe. It was an acknowledgment that worship was not about what they brought to the table but about responding to the holy presence of God Himself. Imagine being in the temple, watching the smoke rise, knowing that it symbolized prayers heard by the Creator of the universe. Frankincense was a tangible connection to the divine, a bridge between the finite and the infinite, pointing to the ultimate mediator—Jesus Christ.

Theological Significance:

Jesus is not only King but also our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). He doesn’t just reign over us; He intercedes for us. The gift of frankincense points to His priestly role, bridging the gap between God and humanity. Frankincense, used in the temple as a sacred incense, was a picture of prayers and worship ascending to God. It speaks to the role of a priest as a mediator, standing between sinful humanity and a holy God. But unlike the priests of old who entered the temple with fear and trembling, offering sacrifices again and again because sin was never fully atoned for, Jesus changes everything. As our High Priest, He offers the ultimate act of mediation—not with the blood of animals but with His own life as a sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27).

Think about the finality of this offering: when Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two, a divine declaration that the way to God was now open. No longer do we approach through rituals or intermediaries. Through Jesus, we come directly into the presence of the Father, our worship fully restored to its rightful focus—the glory of God. Worship is no longer confined to the temple; it’s a relationship, a communion with God through Christ. The gift of frankincense reminds us that Jesus is the bridge, the mediator who secures our access to the Father once and for all.

Think about what this means: Jesus makes it possible for us to draw near to God. The barrier of sin that once separated us is removed. The veil in the temple was torn at His death, symbolizing that access to God is now open to all who believe. He transforms worship from ritual to relationship.

Application:

Worship Christ in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Worship is not confined to a temple or a set of rituals. It’s about orienting your entire life around Him. Picture the Magi as they knelt before Jesus, offering Him frankincense—an act of worship acknowledging both His divinity and His role as mediator. Worship, then, is a response. It’s fueled by gratitude for what Christ has done and a desire to honor Him in every aspect of your life. Let every part of your life declare, “Glory to God in the highest.” . . . So let's worship! Boldly! Allow this place to be filled with the frankincense of your praise!

III. Myrrh: The Gift of Sacrifice

Key Verse: Luke 2:7 – "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger."

Historical Context:

Myrrh was an incredibly valuable and symbolic resin in the ancient world. It held a dual significance: both practical and deeply symbolic. Often used in burial rituals to anoint the dead, myrrh represented mourning and preparation for the grave. John 19:39-40 illustrates this: "Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews." This gift foreshadowed the ultimate purpose of Christ’s life: His death for humanity’s redemption.

Beyond its burial associations, myrrh also had medicinal properties. It was used to soothe pain and treat wounds, an ancient balm for the broken. This points us to the healing power of Christ’s atonement. He came not only to die but to heal the deepest wounds of humanity—our separation from God due to sin. Imagine the paradox: a substance used to honor the dead is given to a child who would bring eternal life. Myrrh reminds us that even in His birth, Jesus was marked for sacrifice. This prophetic gift speaks volumes about His mission—from cradle to cross and every moment in between, He came to be the Savior. His life, marked by humility and obedience, displayed His unwavering purpose to redeem humanity. From the tender moments of His birth to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, Jesus’ mission was clear and consistent: to bring salvation to a lost and broken world.

Theological Significance:

Jesus came not only to live but to die (Mark 10:45): "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." His sacrificial death is not an accident of history but the very reason for His incarnation. From the moment He was born, His destiny was the cross.

The cradle points directly to the cross. Jesus was born in humility, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and laid in a manger. Similarly, at His death, He would be wrapped in burial cloths and laid in a tomb. His birth and death are intricately connected, both marked by humility and sacrifice, yet filled with profound purpose—to redeem sinners and bring them back to God.

Myrrh represents not only death but the victory of that death. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross achieves salvation for all who believe. His atonement heals our deepest wounds—the separation from God caused by sin—and secures eternal peace with the Father.

Application:

Trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. His death brings life, and His suffering secures peace with God (Romans 5:1-2): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Consider the depth of His sacrifice. Jesus willingly endured the agony of the cross so that we might be reconciled to God. This myrrh symbolizes the cost of our salvation and calls us to a life of gratitude and surrender. What part of your life needs to be laid at the foot of the cross today? How will you respond to the One who gave everything for you?

For those of you who feel ready, I invite you to respond to the gospel. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for you—to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with God. He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him and turn from their sins. Will you surrender your life to Him today?

For those of you who are ready, pray this simple prayer from your heart:

"Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising again to give me new life. I turn from my sins and place my trust in You as my Savior and Lord. Help me to live for You from this day forward. Amen."

For those of you who prayed that prayer, know that heaven rejoices over your decision, and you have begun a new relationship with Christ. Seek Him daily, connect with a church family, and grow in the joy and peace of knowing Him.

Let myrrh remind us of the hope we have. Christ’s death was not the end; it was the beginning of new life for us. Rejoice in His victory and live in the freedom and peace He has secured. Let every day be a reflection of gratitude for the incredible price He paid for your redemption.

As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, we transition now to a symbolic act that ties together everything we’ve considered tonight. Myrrh represents not only the sacrifice of Christ but also the victory and new life His sacrifice brings. Just as His death brought light into a dark world, so too are we called to shine as His lights.

Jesus declared in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Tonight, as we light our candles, let each flame remind us of the light we carry. This light represents the gospel and the testimony of what Christ has done in our lives. As the light spreads from one candle to another, think of how the message of Christ spreads through His people. Hold your candle and reflect on this truth: we are the light of the world because Christ, the Light of the World, lives in us.

Let this candlelighting be an act of worship, a declaration that we will let our testimonies shine brightly in a world longing for hope. Let us carry this light not just tonight, but into every corner of our lives, proclaiming the good news of Jesus to all who need to see His love and grace.

As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be lights in this world. Our testimonies, shaped by His grace and redemption, shine as a beacon of hope to others. As the light from one candle spreads to another, let it remind you of how the gospel spreads through the testimony of transformed lives. Hold your candle and reflect on this truth: we are the light of the world because Christ, the Light of the World, dwells within us. Let this moment be an act of worship and a declaration of our commitment to live as His lights, sharing His love and truth with a dark and hurting world.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Before you leave, please remember that offering bins are located at the exits for those who would like to give your church a Christmas Gift. Your generosity continues the life changing work, we are doing together.

Lastly, we ask that you dispose of your candles and place them in the designated bins at the exits. Let us leave this place with hearts full of joy and gratitude, ready to share  light of Christ with the world.

Merry Christmas!