"And when they had opened their treasures they presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Matt. 2:11)
CHRISTMAS-TIME is a time of giving. Children delight in it because of all the presents they receive, but primarily this time of giving is a time when we remember that God gave His Son to be born for the salvation of mankind.
The first Christmas was very costly. The Eastern worshippers came to the child Jesus and gave gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Gold represents our wealth and possessions which we may offer to our King.
We remember at this time of the year that we are not our own, we are bought with a price. For us it is to yield what we have to our Lord and Master. This is reasonable and right. This is the heart of service -- giving what we have and are to the Lord. If we cling to our treasures and enjoy them for ourselves, others will not profit. We can give our treasures -- what we have and are -- to the Lord Jesus, and He will release them to the enrichment of multitudes. Let us give our gold to Him this Christmas-time.
Frankincense represents worship.
These men worshipped the baby King. They adored the Lord of glory. They honoured, revered and praised the One who was worthy. They worshipped. Let us, with them, stand in awe and wonder at the miracle of the Incarnation -- 'God and man in oneness blending.'
'Veiled in flesh the God-head see
Hail the Incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus our Emmanuel.'
God has come to us in Christ. Let us worship the One who became a son of man that we might become the sons of God.
Myrrh -- that bitter thing -- was also offered. This surely signifies the things we are willing to suffer for His sake.
So many today are not prepared to suffer. They would rather take the easy and comfortable way. If their Christianity is to cost them anything, they would rather compromise so that everything will run smoothly and suffering be averted. The rugged Cross is dressed in attractive robes --- it no longer hurts.
Physical hardship when necessary, sacrificial living and giving, selfless involvement in the spread of the gospel, willingness to sacrifice enjoyable times for more profitable times in the spiritual realm -- this is myrrh. Sometimes it may be hard work in the obscure office of a missionary society, sometimes wearisome visiting from door to door in the hot sun, inviting people to meetings, sometimes spending time in intercession when you could be with friends -- this is myrrh -- offering to Him something that costs.
Who will offer Him not only gold and frankincense, but myrrh as well this Christmas? He surely offered it for us. It cost Him all.
Be the first to react on this!
Colin Peckham (1936 - 2009)
Was Principal of Faith Mission Bible College, Edinburgh. Mary Peckham (nee Morrison) (1932-2010) was born on the Isle-of-Lewis and was converted in the 1949 revival. She spent fourteen years in evangelistic ministry, seeing true revival on two occasions in her ministry, before marrying Colin in 1969. They are both survived by three adult children and two grandchildren.A life of blessing and fullness stretched before me; a life to be maintained as a constant walk in the Spirit by the vital elements of faith and obedience. On Monday 9th November 2009 at his home in Broxburn near Edinburgh, Scotland, Rev Dr Colin Peckham was suddenly and quietly called home to be with the Lord. There was a service of thanksgiving at Charlotte Chapel, West Rose Street, Edinburgh on Monday 16th November 2009 at 10.30am.