A Reminder: The Meaning of the Magi’s Gifts

Christmas is fast approaching and with that the giving and receiving of gifts. Don’t you wish you would have invented the gift card?! When I think about Christmas and gift giving, I am reminded of the Magi and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh given to the Christ child celebrating his birth.

Why those three gifts? Obviously, there was a reason behind them. From a biblical perspective, gold is considered symbolic of kingship and divinity. Christ is King of kings and the Word made flesh. Frankincense was used in worship as an offering to God. This gift was symbolic of Christ’s offering of himself in his sacrificial death on the cross.

Myrrh was used as an anesthetic and referred to as “gall.” Myrrh symbolizes bitterness and suffering. The Christ child would grow into manhood and suffer greatly under the lash and on the cross. In a biblical sense, these three gifts were prophetic in nature. Some scholars speculate that these gifts were also used to fund Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt to escape Herod’s execution of all children in Bethlehem two years of age and under.

It is important to remember that God gave His only Son [John 3:16] and that the Son gave His life that we might have the right to be called a child of God [John 1:12].

What the Bible Says About Giving

The Bible mentions the word “give” about 2,000 times with over 2,300 verses dealing with the broader themes of giving, money and possessions. The Bible contains significantly more references to giving that any other major topic including faith, love and prayer.

Giving, in the biblical sense, is the act of generosity and is a form of worship, demonstrating our trust in God as our provider. God loves us generously [John 3:16], reaping always follows sowing [2 Corinthians 9:6], it is more blessed to give than to receive [Acts 20:35] and God loves a cheerful giver [2 Corinthians 9:6].

A Reminder About Giving Tuesday

Here’s another reminder. Giving Tuesday is December 2. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that serves as a reminder to give through acts of charity, which of course, is primarily in financial donations.

This radio station highlights the teaching ministries of the best in America: Dr Charles Stanley, Dr Chuck Swindoll, Dr David Jeremiah, Dr John McArthur, Alastair Begg and many more accessible 24/7 through our AM/FM and live streaming. Please consider donating to these ministries.

Also, would you consider a generous donation to our radio station as a partner with us in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. You have access to the Word of God all day every day on WRJZ and on WRJZ.com. You can make your tax deductible donation to Foothills Resource Group and send it to 1621 E Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. We will acknowledge receipt of your donation.

December 2 — Mark Your Calendar

As a reminder: mark your calendars for Tuesday December 2 and give!

Dr. Pat Polis
The Church Mechanic

Tune in to “The Church Mechanic,” Thursdays at 5 p.m., when Dr. Polis shares his expertise as a certified church consultant and longtime pastor.