The Gifts of the Christ Child

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2: 10-11

Gold is for kings. Frankincense was used by the priests. But, "myrrh" was for embalming. Who would give myrrh to a baby? The Bible records these gifts for a specific reason. Each is a sign of Messianic prophecy. They were to foretell the future of this special child who was born of a virgin.

When Jesus was upon the cross, Mark 15:23 says:

And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh; but he did not take it.

Myrrh also had some medicinal qualities that help alleviate pain. Jesus refused it so that he bore the full penalty for all of our iniquities. Later, he did accept the vinegar wine on a sponge.

What I find fascinating is the Messianic Psalms that point to the prophecy of the Messiah. In Isaiah 60 we find the following passage:

1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Mid'ian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

In this passage the Messiah is delivered two gifts: (1) gold; and, (2) frankincense. The role of the Messiah in His kindgom will be that of King and Priest; but, note the absence of the third gift - myrrh. There will no longer be the need for burial anymore as the Messiah will bring eternal life to His kingdom. The prophecy's absence of the need for myrrh is a symbol of the Messianic era. And, this was prophesied some 500 years before the birth of Jesus.