Friday, December 19, 2014

The perfect Gift.

When the magi came we see that they followed the star, the Bible says it was Christ star, the Heavens announced the birth of the King, and the astronomers new this. Then they come to Jesus and notice they find Him on Mary's lap probably between 6 months and 2 years, we know this only because of the wickedness of Herod later in Matthew. But notice they're worship Him alone, not Mary, not Joseph, while they play a part in history, they are vessels not idols to he worshipped.

Then the gifts, three gifts many magi, each of great significance.

Gold a precious metal and a very valuable commodity. Its value financed Joseph and Mary’s trip to Egypt. Gold represents divinity and is mentioned throughout the Bible, the Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-17). The gift of gold to the Christ child was symbolic of His divinity—God in flesh.

Frankincense is a white resin or gum. It is highly fragrant when burned and was therefore used in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God (Exodus 30:34). Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. The gift of frankincense to the Christ child was symbolic of His willingness to become a sacrifice, wholly giving Himself up, analogous to a burnt offering.

Myrrh was a spice and was used in embalming. It was also sometimes mingled with wine to form an article of drink. Such a drink was given to our Savior when He was about to be crucified, as a stupefying potion (Mark 15:23). Matthew 27:34 refers to it as “gall.” Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction. The baby Jesus would grow to suffer greatly as a man and would pay the ultimate price when He gave His life on the cross for all who would believe in Him.

Each gift had a meaning, but the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, God the Father's wonderful, gracious,perfect gift of love.

I wonder do you know Him?

Matthew 2:1-4, 9-12 HCSB

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem,   saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we saw His star in the east   and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes  of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was — the star they had seen in the east!  It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.   And being warned  in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

Luke 2:8-14 HCSB

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord  stood before  them,  and the glory of the Lord  shone around them, and they were terrified.   But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,  for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:   Today a Savior,  who is Messiah  the Lord,  was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you:  You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth  to people He favors!

No comments:

Post a Comment