“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts
of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
(Matthew 2:11)
How do you celebrate Christmas? Most Americans celebrate Christmas by…
- Buying and decorating a Christmas tree
- Stringing Christmas lights on their house
- Attending several Christmas parties – at work, school, & church
- Christmas shopping and Christmas baking
- Buying, wrapping, giving, and exchanging Christmas gifts
So, where did the tradition of giving Christmas gifts originate? Many people date gift-giving back to the 4th Century. Saint Nicholas, a Christian Bishop, was well-known for giving gifts to children, particularly to less fortunate children. The most common gifts given were homemade foods and sweets, oranges, and handcrafted gifts such as socks, sweaters, and blankets. By the 10th Century, almost every country in the world celebrated Christmas by giving gifts. In the early 1800’s, some entrepreneurial merchants inAmerica began advertising gifts for purchase. Thus began the commercialism of Christmas.
But I like to believe that our tradition of gift-giving actually began on the first Christmas when the Wise Men worshiped baby Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Granted, they were strange gifts for a baby: no toys, no diapers, no baby clothes, no stuffed camels or donkeys. But, they gave Jesus gifts that represented who they were.
The odd thing today is that we tend to give Christmas gifts to everyone except Jesus, even though Christmas is His birthday. So, this year, try something different – include Jesus in your gift-giving. Don’t know what to give Jesus? The gifts of the wise men provide some good ideas.
GOLD – Gold represents wealth & riches. You could give a gift of your wealth to Jesus. You could give a gift to a missionary, to some needy people, to a neighbor, or to a special project at your church – in the name of Jesus.
INCENSE – Incense was used inTemple worship. You could give a gift of worship or service to Jesus. You could give Him some time each day to read the Bible and pray. You could give a gift of renewed commitment to Sabbath (Sunday worship). You could give a gift of serving others.
MYRRH – Myrrh was an embalming fluid. You could give Jesus your life. If you have been holding back an area of your life, give it to Jesus this year. Give Him that pet sin or habit. Give Jesus a renewed commitment for the year ahead.
Be sure to include Jesus in your Christmas gift-giving this year!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your gift to us that first Christmas.
You gave Your Son, Jesus. You gave us the gift of eternal life.
This Christmas I want to include Jesus in my gift-giving.
I give You my life anew. I am Yours, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
