The Wise Men's Radical Act of Worship: What Their Gifts Really Mean
Every Christmas, we see them in nativity scenes—three regal figures bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But have you ever stopped to consider what their journey really represented? Pastor Dave's recent sermon at Courageous Church unpacks a truth that might completely transform how you view this familiar story.
They Weren't There That Night
First, let's shatter a common misconception: the wise men weren't present at Jesus's birth. They began their journey the day the star appeared—nearly 900 miles away. These men traveled for weeks, possibly months, even up to two years through treacherous terrain, not knowing exactly where they'd end up. When Herod later ordered the killing of boys under two years old, it revealed the timeline. By the time the wise men arrived, Jesus wasn't a newborn in a manger—He was a young child living in a house with Mary.
More Than Diplomacy
We often picture the wise men as diplomatic envoys, but Scripture tells us they came explicitly "to worship him." This wasn't political theater. These wealthy, intelligent foreigners undertook an arduous journey driven by devotion, not duty. They represent something profound: that God's heart extends beyond Israel to include strangers, enemies, and foreigners as family.
Treasures Opened, Hearts Revealed
The phrase "they opened their treasures" carries deeper meaning than we realize. These men likely carried everything they owned on their journey. When they presented their gifts, they weren't pulling out pre-planned diplomatic presents—they were opening their hearts and giving sacrificially from what they had, possibly even what they needed to get home safely.
This reveals a powerful truth: generosity flows from worship, not wealth. It's not about how much you have; it's about what's in your heart.
Three Prophetic Declarations
Each gift carried profound symbolism:
Gold wasn't just money—it was a historical declaration of kingship. In that era, presenting gold declared someone as king. These foreigners were making a bold statement: this obscure child is the King the world has been waiting for.
Frankincense symbolized the aroma Jesus would spread throughout the world—the fragrance of hope, forgiveness, justice, and life. Our generosity creates an aroma too, bringing the refreshing presence of Christ wherever we go.
Myrrh, perhaps the strangest gift for a baby, was used for burial. It was prophetic, declaring that through His death, Jesus would bring life; through His suffering, He would bring healing to the world.
The Challenge for Today
The wise men didn't simply celebrate Jesus's birth—they recognized His worth. Their generosity was a response to who Jesus was, not a response to their own blessing or wealth.
This Christmas, consider three questions: What gift honors Jesus? What giving recognizes His kingship? What sacrifice declares His worth?
Living generously isn't about projects that make us feel better about ourselves. It's about lives transformed, hope restored, and the Kingdom of God advancing. When we give from a heart of worship—whether it's our time, resources, or energy—we're declaring to the world that Jesus is King.
That's the true spirit of Christmas the wise men modeled for us two thousand years ago.