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. They then opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 HCSB
Each year in Southern Baptist Churches there is a special offering called the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for foreign missions. One hundred percent of this offering goes to help with special projects and needs on the foreign mission field. Some see their gift to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering as their “Christmas Gift” to Christ. I was convicted many years ago when a pastor asked our congregation, “Is your gift to Jesus at least equal if not greater than what you are giving to others on your Christmas list?”
The wise men came prepared to give extravagant gifts to the Messiah. The gifts they brought were fitting for the Messiah. Just as it is today, gold was very valuable and a fitting gift for a king. Frankincense was an ingredient used in the tabernacle for incense as an act of worship to God. Myrrh was an ingredient used in the Old Testament as an anointing oil. It was mixed with wine and offered to Jesus on the cross, it was used as a perfume, and it was used in the embalming process for dead bodies. Jesus came as the King of kings. He came to bring honor and glory to God the Father. Jesus was required to die to accomplish the task that God the Father had given Him to do.
Challenge: How much are you giving to Jesus this Christmas as your gift? The greatest gift you can give to Jesus is yourself. Christ desires to have a personal relationship with you if you will only invite Him into your life and make Him the King of your life. Beyond your life, give to Him extravagantly like the wise men from the many blessings God has given you (your time, talents, and resources).