1L. A Children's Talk "Christmas Gifts"

Consider the gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men. What is the significance of them? (1).

Gold for a King

There is a prophecy in the Psalms that Kings would worship the Messiah (2).They naturally went to the ruler of that area, King Herod, and asked him where the new monarch was to be born. Gold was the most valuable metal and highly prized even by rulers. It was an appropriate gift for king Jesus.

Frankincense for a God

Not many great men or women in history could claim to have a star to herald their birth. Isaiah foresaw the occasion of Jesus' birth (3). The sky saw several luminary objects in those days. In 7 B.C. there was a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Chinese astronomers reported a bright star which melted away in 4 B.C. and Halley's comet passed over that region in 11 B.C. For such a gigantic event in history, God marked it with a firework show of His own! The frankincense offering proclaimed that God was being worshipped here as much as in the Old Testament Temple offering. It was an appropriate gift for Jesus, our God.

Myrrh for a Death

On two other occasions in the life of Jesus, myrrh was to be used. This aromatic anointing oil was poured on His head by a woman at the house of Simon in Bethany (4). Jesus astounded the disciples in explaining the reason for this, saying "What she did was to pour this perfume on my body to get me ready for burial" (5). Before His crucifixion, the soldiers tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but Jesus refused it (6). It was an appropriate gift for Jesus who was to die on the cross.

The three kings brought gifts to Jesus - but what can you offer Him? You have been given many beautiful presents, but how can you repay the Saviour? "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 give him - give my heart." (7) The most valuable gift of all for Jesus, your love.

Notes

(1) Read Matthew 2:1,2,11 (2) Read Psalm 72: 10,11 (3) Read Isaiah 60:3 (4) Matthew 26:6-13 (5) Matthew 26:12 (6) Mark 15:23 (7) Christina G. Rossetti

"Practical Christian Outreach in the Local Church"

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