December 17
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:11-12)
It is believed that these magi (or “wise men” as some translations refer to them) were likely astronomers, men who studied the stars. This would make sense, considering that the magi followed a light in the sky to find their way to Jesus. Many theologians have said the gifts brought by the magi had special meaning. The gold represented Christ’s royalty, the frankincense represented His divinity (because incense was used by priests throughout the Old Testament), and myrrh represented His death (because myrrh was used during Jesus’ burial). The magi didn’t stop at bringing Christ material things, though. As we see in verse 11, they also brought to Him their worship.
This Advent season, as you reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, follow the example of the magi and continue to surrender more of yourself to the Lord, laying down all of your life and all of your worship.
- What are the kinds of gifts that mean the most to you? (expensive, handmade, rare)
- Reflect on the gifts of the magi. What made these gifts so special?