Gifts at Christmas - Part 2

As we continue to unwrap the gifts of the first Christmas we are reminded of the gifts presented to Christ in Matthew 2:11; 11On 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 and of incense and of myrrh. Stepping through the gifts, examining, learning and applying brings us to incense and in some translations Frankincense.

This gift too was valuable. Incense has historically been used to purify, to eliminate bad things, odors for example. Wikipedia states that incense "is composed of aromatic biotic materials, which release fragrant smoke when burned. The term incense refers to the substance itself, rather than to the odor that it produces. Many religious ceremonies and spiritual purificatory rites employ incense, a practice that persists to this day. Incense is also used in medicine and for its aesthetic value."

The bible reveals incense being used by priests to purify and to create an aroma pleasing to the Lord. So these wise men have brought our Lord and Savior this gift of incense perhaps creating something pleasing, but also perhaps to identify our great high priest. So what can we take from all this?

Let's begin by looking at Hebrews 2:17; For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for[a]the sins of the people. So can you see that Christ is our high priest atoning for our sins?

Since Christ has done that for each of us; what does that mean for believers? I think we can find the answer in 1 Peter 2:9; 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Wow, isn’t that amazing? As believers we are a chosen people; a royal priesthood. So as believers we are to be priests telling the good news to all who will listen; to love and serve our high priest. Francis Schaeffer says that “Christ is our priest, and in fellowship with Him every believer is a priest.” What an honor; what a responsibility.

To conclude the gift of incense can seem insignificant in our current culture, but I have come to see what true significance it has for each of us. It purifies, identifies and sets the course for all believers. Let’s end with a couple of verses Revelations 1;

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

May we all go forward as a royal priesthood serving Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood!

Grace and Peace!