A Gift of Gold

The gifts the Magi gave to Jesus were significant and important. Of all the gifts, the one we are most familiar with is gold. I laughed when I read the statement attributed to William Carlos Williams, "I always did wonder at the purpose of frankincense and myrrh, but gold I get!" The value of gold is self-evident. Everyone likes to receive a gift of money, and we understand the beauty of the gold given to Mary and Joseph was that it was practical. We know the precious metal was valuable then, like it is now. Its value probably helped pay for Mary and Joseph’s journey to Egypt.

Gold in scripture is often associated with worship. There were gold elements used in the temple worship. The Ark of the Covenant was plated in gold. Often gold was used to make idols – remember the sad story of the golden calf made by Aaron.

We also know that gold is often associated with royalty. When I think of a crown, I picture a golden one. So Jesus, the king of kings, the precious one, the one worthy of worship, was given gold, the best the world has to offer. As we think about the gold offered to Mary and Joseph on behalf of Jesus, we are reminded of the teaching of Jesus: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:21) The Magi revealed that in their hearts they chose to honor Jesus.

The story recorded in Matthew 2 of the Magi bringing their gifts to the Christ Child can be a helpful reminder of the kinds of precious “gifts” God wants from us. The gifts of the Magi weren't just valuable; they were meaningful, and each was filled with spiritual significance. I think it is worth a moment of self-reflection to consider what role Jesus plays in our lives, and what we are willing to give up for Him. What does obedience look like in our lives? How can we glorify Him with our finances? How can we invest in His kingdom? The wise men gave, and they gave sacrificially. So should we!

Expectantly,

Shawn