CCBC

Epiphanal Gifts – 6 January 2019

Today is the traditional Feast of Epiphany celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.  (It is also the date by which all Christmas decorations should be taken down – I’ll be coming round to check!).

Everyone will readily recall the three gifts presented by the Magi to Jesus – gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2v11 clearly states that these gifts were given to Jesus, not to Mary and Joseph, and countless sermons have been preached on the rich significance and symbolism of each gift.

However, these three gifts should not be considered unique to the Magi.  I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn: “with gold of obedience and incense of lowliness, kneel and adore Him, the Lord is His name.”  Perhaps we can consider the gold of our submission to the King, the frankincense of our service as a royal priesthood under the High Priest Jesus Himself and the myrrh of self-sacrifice as we take up our crosses and follow in His footsteps.

Clearly these three gifts are not just to be offered on 6 January – may we each seek to present them to the Lord throughout 2019 (and beyond).

Happy New Year and Peace and Grace

Paul