The Perfect Gift
Throughout the year we are looking for gifts whether it`s birthday or wedding gifts or just a something special gift. What type of gift do you like to give? A surprise gift, practical or expensive gift or a funny gift? I guess I`m more a practical gift giver but enjoy a good joke gift too.
A friend of mine was trying to think what he should give his boss who has everything. He thought and he thought, and decided on the bosses favourite type of biscuits. Now he didn`t want the boss to work out straight away what the gift was so he put them in a box and then wrapped them up. His boss felt round the present to see if he could work out what it was! Eventually he had to give up and open the present. He was so surprised when he saw what it was, but he loved it. However he didn`t know who had given it to him! He could only say that it was someone who really knew him well. Sometimes expensive gifts aren`t necessary it`s more the thought behind the gift that`s important. Especially when it`s something that was chosen for that person.
When the wise men followed the star and came to the place where the child Jesus was they came with gifts. They presented to him three specific gifts chosen especially for the king. Myrrh, gold and frankincense all perfect and worthy gifts for a king. The intrinsic value of gold has been established since ancient times therefore when gold the metal of kings was presented to Jesus it acknowledged his right to rule as he was the true king of the Jews. Frankincense is an as aromatic, clear resin obtained from trees in Northern India. It is used in perfumes and incense and was treasured for its aroma and healing properties. It is a symbol of prayer and represented the work of God as a High Priest. Thus it was given to represent the priestly work of Jesus being the representative of God among men. The last gift that was given was myrrh and it was a spice used for medicine and an anointing oil. It was mixed into the oil and used to anoint prophets whose work was to reveal the words and will of God to the people. It was also used in the anointing of the dead for burial. It is the anointing oil of the prophets of God and therefore perfect for the Christ Child. Jesus Christ is the Prophet, Priest and King of Heaven. The wise men had chosen carefully and thoughtfully when they presented their gifts to the child. Matthew 2 verse 11 says "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 opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh."
P. Pilgrim pilgrimway101@yahoo.com