The Gifts of the God-Child

December 11th, 2023

The Gifts of the God-Child

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-12 (KJV)

The Christmas season is a time when all should be wrapped in wonder. It is the time when we celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, the God-Child. As the prophet declared, the God-Child is called Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6). Not only was the conception of the God-Child a miracle (Luke 1:30-35) but His arrival was accompanied by other miracles as well including the conception of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36) and the mysterious Magi from the East (Matthew 2:1-2).

Though not all theologians agree on the timing of Magi’s travel from the East, there is a consensus that they apparently arrived in Jerusalem after the birth of Jesus Christ. The continued trek of the Magi from Jerusalem to Bethlehem was no less a miracle. (Bethlehem is about five miles south of Jerusalem.) The star they had seen in the East reappeared and directed them to a specific house in Bethlehem where they found the God-Child, Jesus.

As a side note, this is not the first time that the Word of God reveals to us that our Father God used natural phenomenon as a guide. When God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He used a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to direct their path.

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:” Exodus 13:21 (KJV)

Therefore, leading the Magi from the East by a star is no trouble for the triune God.

Nevertheless, God guided these Magi to the God-Child. When they entered the house where the God-Child was, they worshiped and presented their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Him. Some believe the gifts carry additional significance by displaying the character of the God-Child’s life. Gold may possibly characterize His deity or purity, incense represents the fragrance of His life, and myrrh foretold His sacrifice and death as myrrh was commonly utilized for embalming.

In this account, the God-Child was the recipient of precious gifts. However, are you aware of some of the gifts that the God-Child gives to all who will receive Him by faith as Lord and Savior? I declare unto you that the God-Child, baby Jesus, gives us eternal gifts. These are the gifts that keep on giving, never grow old, and remain undiminished in their significance and splendor.

Goodness

“Oh, how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” Psalms 31:19 (KJV, emphasis added)

Intimacy

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 (KJV, emphasis added)

Forgiveness

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7 (KJV, emphasis added)

Truth

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalm 31:5 (KJV, emphasis added)

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 (KJV, emphasis added)

Salvation

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (KJV, emphasis added)

Remember as you are pondering the pending New Year: God gives us presents every day and every new year!

For the Glory of God,

PBKSR