Myrrh, Not a White Elephant Gift

Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving.  We are in the season of gift hunting, in search of that PERFECT gift, we may not have anything in mind, but waiting for something to jump off the shelf and literally wrap itself because it is SOOOO perfect.

Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, all of us have gifts to offer. God-given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether it is the gift of serving, or the gift of encouragement, or perhaps the gift of a listening ear.  Or hospitality, providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig around in the geeky stuff, summarize and share it with others. No gift is too small, or insignificant.

Often we read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement. Consider if you will, (imagine with me) the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, oh yeah, the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???”   White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value.  Gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?

The divine significance of myrrh: An ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests.  (Exodus 30:22-23) Myrrh/Myron:  Perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet.  (Luke 7:36-50, John 12:3)  It was used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.  (John 19:39-40)

Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, men of wisdom and honor, place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.

Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.  A new appreciation for the gift?

May we too bow low, offer even what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in His name have great value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely.

Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example – be prophetic.  The gift that keeps on giving.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” –  Hebrews 10:24)