Gifted Myrrh – Prophetic Indeed
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. We are in the season of gift hunting, we may not have anything in mind, but there is hope of something jumping off the shelf and literally wrap itself with a glorious bow attached. 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 of encouragement, or hospitality, providing an extra place at the dinner table.
We often 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. Gifts. 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 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. Have we thought about these? Gold, we have that one down. Frankincense is ground dried up tree sap used as incense. And myrrh, what is THAT?
The divine significance of myrrh: It too comes from the sap of a tree and used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exodus 30:22-23). Myrrh/Myron: Perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50). 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 (took the Magi some time to get there), curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, the Magi place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The same anointing oil 
used to anoint temple priests, Jesus our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16). 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. He now a child will one day be the man fulfilling this gift.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.
Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example – be prophetic. Regardless of how insignificant, we never know the impact and how far-reaching our giving may be (in Jesus name). An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a lived principle, a person no longer lonely – 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)
Inspired Fountain 