"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."
— Matthew 2:9-12 (NIV)
The passage we read introduces the story of Jesus' birth through the visit of the Magi. These wise men, likely astronomers studying the stars, observed a unique star unlike anything they had seen before. Following its guidance, they arrived in Bethlehem, a small village in Israel. There they saw Jesus, born in a manger, with His mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
In the moment when the Magi met the baby Jesus, a profound and dramatic exchange of gifts occurred. Interestingly, the gifts they brought reveal the nature of God’s gift to humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.
1. Gold: A Symbol of Kingship
Gold represents kingship. People have always viewed land as the foundation of wealth. Even today, owning significant property signifies prosperity. In Korea, apartments in Gangnam's Apgujeong district, for example, are highly coveted despite their modest size and dated facilities because of their location and associated prestige.
Beyond land, cash has been another valuable asset. Particularly, the US dollar holds power due to America's global influence. However, even currencies can falter, leading people to invest in gold, a stable store of value. Gold retains its worth through fluctuating times, embodying permanence.
For instance, when my father left a thin gold ring behind, my sister claimed it for her husband. Yet it ultimately fit my finger, where it now resides. Another example is a gold cross necklace worn by Changseong, who cherishes it not for its monetary value but for its spiritual significance. It was gifted to his grandmother after she fervently prayed and fasted for the healing of a pastor suffering from an incurable disease.
When the Magi presented gold to Jesus, it wasn’t simply about offering an expensive gift. The gold symbolized the acknowledgment of Jesus as the King of all.
"‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
— Matthew 2:6 (NIV), referring to Micah 5:2
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was experiencing a period of spiritual darkness. The prophetic voice had been silent for about 400 years, creating a longing for the promised Messiah. Jesus came as the King of kings, offering hope to a sin-darkened world.
2. Frankincense: A Symbol of Priesthood
Frankincense is a fragrant resin, much like today’s expensive perfumes. I remember in middle school, learning about Chanel No. 5 from fashion magazines. I saved up to buy it as a gift for a girlfriend.
But why did the Magi bring frankincense? It wasn’t for masking odors like those at a stable. They didn’t even know Jesus would be born in a manger. They simply followed the star, which led them to Bethlehem.
For the Israelites, frankincense was essential for worship. It was used by priests during offerings, symbolizing the prayers of God’s people rising to heaven.
"‘If you bring a grain offering to the Lord, your offering is to be of the finest flour. You are to pour oil on it, put incense on it, and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.’"
— Leviticus 2:1-2 (NIV)
Additionally, frankincense symbolized holiness.
"Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts... Make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.’"
— Exodus 30:34-35 (NIV)
The gift of frankincense from the Magi signified Jesus' role as our High Priest. He came to intercede for us and to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
— Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are made pure. As Christians, our lives should now reflect Christ’s love as a fragrant offering in this world.
"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
— 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)
3. Myrrh: A Symbol of Sacrifice
Myrrh, a costly oil derived from the cistus tree, was used as an anointing oil for priests, kings, and prophets. It was a key ingredient in the anointing oil used in Israel’s sacred practices.
I used to think Pastor Shin Myeong-jin wasn’t someone who cared about skincare, but I recently found out he uses vitamin serum on his face. When I learned this, I felt a slight sense of betrayal—so I decided to try it myself. My wife had a vitamin serum that she warned me was expensive, so I was to use only a little at a time. Following her instructions, I applied a few drops to my forehead, cheeks, and nose. Meanwhile, my sister Hye-jung had the same serum. Seeing the opportunity, I used hers liberally every day for three weeks. By the end, my face looked noticeably healthier!
Just as skincare brings vitality to the face, the myrrh brought by the Magi symbolized something deeper: an anointing oil with rich significance for Jesus’ role.
Myrrh was not only significant during Jesus' birth but also at the time of His death. Nicodemus used myrrh to anoint Jesus' body for burial, preventing decomposition and honoring Him in death.
"Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."
— John 19:39-40 (NIV)
The term “Christ” means “the Anointed One,” highlighting Jesus' divine mission to save humanity. Jesus is referred to as "Jesus Christ"—Jesus meaning "Savior" and Christ meaning "Messiah" or "the Anointed One." Like how leaders such as Ahn Chang-ho are remembered by their titles of honor, "Christ" encapsulates Jesus’ divine role as the One chosen by God to bring salvation.
Myrrh, therefore, symbolized not only Jesus' birth but also His ultimate mission: His sacrifice, death, and resurrection.
The significance of myrrh teaches us that Jesus was not a worldly conqueror but rather the true "comeback King." Jesus overturned the world’s paradigm of power. While the world believes happiness comes through conquest and dominance, Jesus showed that true victory comes through humility and sacrifice.
His authority is not rooted in oppressive force but in the strength to lay down power for the sake of others. This sacrificial love established a kingdom that defies earthly standards.
Conclusion: The Greatest Exchange of Gifts
Through the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the Magi acknowledged Jesus’ identity as the King of kings, the Great High Priest, and the Savior who would die and rise again to redeem humanity. In this exchange of gifts, the Magi brought offerings of great significance and, in return, received the ultimate gift—Jesus Christ Himself.
This dramatic exchange reminds us of the true essence of Christmas: the King, Priest, and Messiah has come to us as the greatest gift.
May we, in response, offer our lives to Him, not as a transaction but as an expression of grace and love. Let us honor Him through our actions, reflecting His character and holiness in all that we do.
This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!