On coming to the house, [the magi] 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, frankincense and myrrh. ” The story of the "Wise Men" or "Magi" is an interesting one. (The name "magi" was used at the time for Zoroastrian priests.) Who were these men? How many of them were there? (People often assume there were three "wise men" because they brought three gifts, but the text never says how many magi there were.) What was the prophecy they were working off, that told them that a "new star" was the sign of a newly born "king"? (No such prediction exists in the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible.) We know so little of who these men were, or even what religion they were, but we feel certain they were inspired by God's Spirit to visit and worship the babe of Bethlehem, the future Messiah-not only of the Jews, but of the entire world.
The three gifts the magi brought are instructive. As with so much in the Holy Bible, the symbolism is worth considering. It is often used with intent, just as Jesus' parables; designed to offer deeper understandings of otherwise simplistic passages.
Theories about what Joseph and Mary did with the gold that was given them are plentiful. Some have assumed that it was used to fund their exodus into Egypt when Herod sought to kill the baby Jesus. Regardless, gold is often used in antiquity to symbolize that which is heavenly, godly, or celestial; and Jesus was certainly that. Thus, this gift (to an infant) testifies to His Godly nature and His heavenly mission.
As for frankincense, in temple times, incense was frequently used. In some traditions, the smell of the fragrant resin was a symbol of the abode of God. However, in the case of Judaism and Christianity, the smoke of burning frankincense was a symbol of our prayers rising heavenward to God. As a gift to Jesus, they remind us of His perfect prayer life-of His constant communion with His Father. And they teach us to pray as He prayed so that we too will be constantly connected to our Father in Heaven.
Finally, myrrh was a balm or ointment, often expensive, and traditionally used for healing. In this regard, the presentation of myrrh to Joseph and Mary is a reminder that Jesus' life and ministry would be one of healing. He came to be the ointment that would heal our spiritual wounds, but other mortal maladies as well. Jesus is the great physician of our souls, and He-only He-can heal our every wound.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
