{The Three Gifts}

Matthew 2:1-11
(1)Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod
the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

(2)Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen
his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

(3)When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and
all Jerusalem with him.

(4)And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the
people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

(5)And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is
written by the prophet,

(6)And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among
the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Israel.

(7)Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of
them diligently what time the star appeared.

(8)And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently
for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again,
that I may come and worship him also.

(9)When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star,
which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood
over where the young child was.

(10)When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

(11)And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child
with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they
had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh.

1. The gift of gold.

~gold is very precious, and therefore not commonly found. It is often
used to make crowns for Kings.

You will notice that in verse 2, King is capitalized. (King of the
Jews) In verse 3 king is lowecase. (Herod the king)
The wise men realized that Jesus is the King of kings, and Herod is
just an earthly king.

2. The gift of frankincense.

~frankincense was used in the Old Testament as incense (a sweet savor
unto the LORD). In the New Testament the prayers of the saints are
referred to as a sweet savor.

The wise men worshipped Jesus, recognizing HIM as God in the flesh.

3. The gift of myrrh.

~myrrh was often used in the embalming process.

The wise men acknowledged that Christ had to die. He would die for the world!

So. The wise men brought 3 gifts ~ money, prayers, and in a way their
lives. What have you given to Christ? Have you acknowledged him as
King, and given Him your life? If you've "given Him your life" have
you given him your time? Have you acknowledged that He is really
there, that He is your creator? Have you given money to His work? Or
have you robbed Him of tithes and offerings?

*One of my brothers preached a short message, on this topic, at one of
the care center services a couple weeks ago. I thought it would be
encouraging so I jotted down some main points, and added a couple
thoughts of my own.