Gifts Fit for a King: A King Who is God's Greatest Gift
Written by: Sebastian Petz
Date: December 10, 2024
Estimated time to read: 3 min
As we approach the Christmas season, our hearts and minds are often filled with the joy and warmth of giving and receiving gifts. Yet, amidst the festive lights, cheerful carols, and exciting gifts, as Christians, we need to reflect upon the greatest gift ever given, God’s giving and sending of His Son to redeem a fallen humanity, as the highest and purest demonstration of His love towards sinners.
Wise Men: A Journey of Faith & Worship
The story of Christ’s birth is not just a historical event; it is the divine narrative of God’s love for humanity. In Matthew 2:1-12, we read about the Magi, wise men from the East, who traveled a great distance to worship the newborn King. Their journey was guided by a star, a celestial sign that led them to the humble town of Bethlehem. Upon finding Jesus, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each symbolizing His kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death.
The Significance of The Magi’s Gifts
The Magi’s gifts were not merely material offerings; they were expressions of adoration and recognition of Jesus’ divine identity. Gold, a gift fit for a king, acknowledged Jesus as the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Frankincense, used in temple worship, symbolized His role as our High Priest, mediating between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). Myrrh, a spice used in burial, foreshadowed His sacrificial death for our sins (John 19:39-40).
Jesus is the Greatest Gift
The Magi’s gifts were ones for a king, even the King of kings, Jesus. And yet they pale in comparison to Jesus himself, God’s greatest gift to humanity. The birth of Christ is a reminder of God’s unfathomable love for us. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Father’s giving of His Son, and the Son’s willingness to be born on earth to live the perfect life for sinners and die the substitutionary death for sinners, is the reason for our hope and joy, not only during the Christmas season but throughout our lives.
What Gifts Are You Giving Him?
God did not spare His own Son, but gave him freely to and for us (Romans 8:32), and we ought to give our lives in obedient and faithful service to him, as gifts of —not just our material possessions, but the offering of our lives, talents, and time in service to Him. Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our true and proper worship.
As we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us consider how we can offer our best to Him. What treasures are we willing to lay at the feet of Jesus? Are we giving Him the best of our time, talents, and resources, or merely what is left over? Let us be inspired by the Magi, who sought the King with great joy and gave their finest gifts in worship.
Conclusion
In this season of giving, may we remember that the greatest gift has already been given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s appointed Lord and Savior. Let us respond with hearts full of gratitude and lives dedicated to His service, proclaiming the good news of His birth to a world desperately in need of the hope, redemption, love, peace, and joy that is found only in Him.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Revelation 19:16
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- John 19:39-40
- Romans 12:1
- John 3:16
Keywords: Birth of Christ, Christmas, Magi, Jesus, King of Kings, High Priest, Sacrifice, Worship, Gifts, Love, Redemption, Hope, Eternal Life, Christian Living, Faith, Scripture
