Christmas Gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
От New Christian Bible Study Staff
In the Christmas story, the wise men bring gifts to the Lord: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The gold is listed first, because it is the inmost - signifying good, e.g. the good that we do when we love the Lord and the neighbor.
The frankincense is next. It signifies rational truth, which is the set of true ideas that we know, not about external things like cars or cooking, but about what is really good, and what is really true.
These rational truths are built on earlier knowledges that we learn, before we have really made them our own. Those early knowledges about spiritual things - often learned in childhood - are represented by the myrrh.
In a way, these gifts are really a reciprocation. We can't actually give them to the Lord until the Lord has given them to us. We necessarily start out by learning and doing the Lord's law (myrrh). The Lord can then call up those memories to become rational truths (frankincense). Then, over time, and with effort, those truths can be transformed into good (gold). The wise men from the East had gone through this process of learning and becoming vessels that could receive truths and goods. They were able to perceive the Lord's birth, and find him, and bring gifts to him.
Philippians 4
1
Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2
I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
3
Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!
5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
9
The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11
Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12
I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
14
However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15
You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
16
For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17
Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18
But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
19
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20
Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22
All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
