What do you get the king of kings?

Ever wondered what you would gift a two-year-old king? It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, right? Imagine back in the day – no bubble lawn mowers or magnetic doodle boards to wrap up. So consider the epic journey of the Wise Men, those trailblazers who traveled miles upon miles, risking it all – from bandits to royal encounters – to gift the newborn King of the Jews.

When they finally arrived, not at a majestic palace but a humble house, there were no shepherds, no angels – just Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. And what did they bring? Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Talk about gifts with a deeper meaning!

Let’s break it down a bit:

1. Gold: Not just a bling thing. Gold, back then, was a big deal – a symbol of wealth and royalty. When the Wise Men presented gold to Jesus, they weren’t just giving a valuable commodity; they were acknowledging Jesus as the ultimate King.
2. Frankincense: More than just a nice smell. This gift was used in temple worship, and its presence in Jesus’ humble home was a powerful reminder of God’s presence on Earth. Frankincense symbolizes worship and adoration – a fitting tribute to Jesus, our mediator and high priest.
3. Myrrh: Now, this one's intriguing. It’s associated with embalming the dead, which is a bit unusual for a baby shower gift. But the Wise Men knew the deal – Jesus was born to bring salvation through his death. Myrrh was a poignant symbol of the sacrifice Jesus was destined to make for all of humanity.

So, what does this mean for us today? It's not about the literal gold, frankincense, or myrrh. It's about what we offer to Jesus – our generosity (our gold), our worship and service (our frankincense), and recognizing His sacrifice for us (our myrrh).

In the spirit of Christmas, let's remember it's not just about the festivities. It’s about inviting Jesus to take the lead in our lives. After all, what better gift can we offer than our hearts and lives to the One who gave it all?

Until next time, let's keep our lives fragrant with worship and our hearts open to the King of Kings.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 12/17/23.