Which is the Wisest Response to Climate Change?
Dr. E. Calvin Beisner
Do you recall any of these popular Christmas gifts of yesteryear?
Reflecting with nostalgia on vintage gifts of the past supplies a good chuckle. And such recollection can spark joyous motivation for our generosity to grow during this season.
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. (Matt. 2:11)
Upon discovering Jesus and bowing down to worship him, the Magi opened their gifts to present to him. These were likely trunk-like objects, boxes and unique bags for carrying precious, costly items. Such realization adds to the colorful, mysterious nature of these moments.
The Magi’s three gifts are packed with overarching significance. All three were high-ticket in market value. They were royal commodities—gifts of tribute uniquely sourced in eastern lands. Such treasures were very intentional objects of kingly recognition and devout worship.
Traditionally, many explorers of this text have recognized unique symbolism in each of the gifts. The Matthew: Life Application Bible Commentary published by Tyndale House Publishers says:
The wise men were simply bringing customary expensive gifts for a superior, but scholars have seen in the gifts symbols of Christ’s identity and what he would accomplish. Gold was a gift fit for a king (Ps. 72:15). Frankincense (also simply called “incense”), a glittering, odorous gum obtained from the bark of certain trees, was a gift for deity (Isa 60:6). Myrrh, a valued spice and perfume (Ps. 45:8), also came from trees and was used in embalming; thus, it was a gift for a person who was going to die (Mk. 15:23; Jn. 19:39). These gifts certainly would have provided the financial resources for Joseph and Mary’s trip to Egypt and back (Matt. 2:13-23).
Each of these expensive gifts reflects the Magi’s adoration and recognition of Jesus’ kingship. And each gift helps us grasp even more insight on the wondrous nature and mission of the Jesus we’re searching for.
Grant R. Osborne draws similar conclusions in his contribution on Matthew to the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series and demonstrates Jesus’ kingdom mission to more people everywhere: “The message is that when the nations are blessed and brought to Zion by the Messiah, they will bring gifts to the true and final King (Isa. 60:3, 5 ‘Nations will come to your light . . . the riches of the nations will come’).”
In the Magi’s gifts, we gain more details about the expanding, marvelous mission of Jesus. His impact reaches people from a kaleidoscope of cultures, viewpoints, and social strata—including people like you and me!
As you give like the Magi, you’ll be partnering with King Jesus’ amazing mission to reach more people with his gracious love.
We see the Father’s loving generosity in graciously giving us Jesus (Jn. 3:16; 2 Cor. 9:14-15). We are moved by the Magi’s magnificent gifts. Therefore, we dare not miss fresh motivation in our own giving this season. But let’s take it beyond a general call to greater surprises with family and friends. What will you intentionally “open” and give Jesus this year?
Christmas is a wondrous time to reflect and ask: Are there areas of my life I have not opened to the King? Are there arenas I’ve kept locked tight and not made available for his rule and reign, his way and sway? What’s still locked up in my life that needs to be opened for King Jesus?
Each Christmas season is an opportunity to remember our gospel call to give Jesus your heart. The reminder is a gift in itself—in the midst of the chaos of life, we need to be reminded that Jesus is fully trustworthy, able to handle our past, present, and future dreams. He is also creatively generous, fully capable of granting you every ounce of forgiveness, joy, hope, and a new lease on life like you’ve never experienced before. All you need to do is open your heart.
Also, dare to give him something tremendously tangible. Make it costly, more sacrificial, deeply generous. Aim to share an extra blessing with someone, or perhaps embark on a Jesus-honoring endeavor that touches multiple people. Maybe your church is doing a special end-of-year offering to reach more people who are seeking King Jesus. Would you consider giving a very generous gift this season? Perhaps the Lord Jesus is tugging on your heart about an individual in need, someone who would really be blessed by your extra-kind monetary giving. Go ahead. Follow through. Open your resources and give graciously.
The classic carol, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” closes with these lines by Christina Rossetti:
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give him my heart.
Go ahead. Give Jesus your wide-open heart. Also share a gift that’s sincerely tangible. Make it generous, a gift fit for a king. You won’t regret it. As you give like the Magi, you’ll be partnering with King Jesus’ amazing mission to reach more people with his gracious love.
Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from The Jesus You’re Searching For: Daily Reflections for Advent by John Elton Pletcher and Holly Hall-Pletcher.
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