1 John 4:19 says, “we love because HE first loved US.”

What we DO know about the wise men...

  • They were probably rulers of some sort.

  • They were devout followers of God, even if they weren’t Jews.

  • They were called wise men because of how they studied the stars.

  • They came to bless the Messiah.  Not to be blessed by Him.

Their gifts:

  • GOLD

    • Gold may have been the first metal that human beings encountered, because it can often be found in its pure natural state (for instance, nuggets in streams) rather than mixed in ore, which requires smelting. People have always valued gold for its luster, beauty, malleability, and resistance to corrosion and tarnish. These attributes also led ancient civilizations throughout the world to associate gold with royalty, immortality, and deity. It was first used in minted currency in the seventh century B.C.

    • Gold from the Wise Men has frequently been mentioned as possibly being very useful in helping Joseph and Mary pay for their flight to Egypt to escape Herod. (The other gifts could have been sold for a very good price as well.)

  • FRANKINCENSE

    • Originating in Arabia and northern Africa, frankincense is a dried resin (from trees of the genus Boswellia) used in perfumes and incense for thousands of years. Historically, frankincense was a highly valued commodity. When burned as incense, it was often valued for its aroma as well as for its reputed ability to disinfect and repel insects and other pests.

    • Frankincense was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as:

      • An ingredient in the perfume of the sanctuary (see Exodus 30:34).

      • An accompaniment to the meat offering, which was part of all burnt and peace offerings (see Leviticus 2:1, 16).

      • An accompaniment to the shewbread in the outer compartment of the tabernacle (or holy place) and burned as a memorial before the presence of the Lord (see Leviticus 24:7). Burning incense in the temple represented prayer (see Psalm 141:2).

  • MYRHH

    • Myrrh is also a dried resin from Arabia and northern Africa (from thorny shrubs and trees of the genus Commiphora) used in perfumes, incense, and medicines for thousands of years. The word comes from an Arabic word meaning “bitter.” It has been valued for its aroma as well as for its use as an antiseptic, analgesic (topical painkiller), and other medicinal qualities.

    • Myrrh was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (see Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (see John 19:39).

The Wise Men’s gifts were:

  • Useful & Generous

  • Precious & Valuable

  • Respectful & Worshipful

HE DESERVES OUR BEST!

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