While we traditionally depict the nativity with these three wise guys, bearing their gifts in worship of the King, it is worth noting that these visitors were probably not present at the innkeeper’s barn. As a matter of fact, they aren’t even mentioned in Luke 2, which is the most often used reference of the Christmas story. Instead, the story of the Magi is found in Matthew 2, and in verse 11, it says, “On coming to the house…” not the stable.
So it appears that they came a little later than on the day that Jesus was born. Whether or not the Magi were present on the first Christmas day is debatable, but there is so much more to be found hidden in just one sentence in the same verse.
The Magi “opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense and of myrrh.” (Mt 2:11b NIV).
Myrrh. Myrrh? Why myrrh, and what is it anyway?
I did a little research, and it turns out that myrrh was used up until the 15th century as an embalming ointment and as an incense for funerals and cremations.
I did a little research, and it turns out that myrrh was used up until the 15th century as an embalming ointment and as an incense for funerals and cremations.
That’s an interesting gift to bring to a baby, and on the surface, if I was the baby’s parents, I’d be a little offended. But then again, we know the rest of the story, and so the myrrh makes perfect sense.
Apparently the Magi knew something that the rest of the world didn’t know at the time. You see, that child they visited grew up to become a man. And that man turned the world completely upside down. So much so that he was tried, found not guilty, and then executed anyway. He was placed in a tomb after being embalmed, presumably with myrrh, and on the third day rose from the dead victorious over sin, death and the grave.
With that, we pray that your Christmas is the most joyous ever. May you be surrounded with love, happiness, peace and above all — grace.
Happy Holidays,
The Healer Family
