And going into the house they (the wise men) 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 2:11 ESV)

I don’t know why the wise men chose to give these gifts to Jesus.  The Bible does not tell us why the wise men gave Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh.

These gifts were certainly fit for a king.  Frequently, in Bible times, kings or persons of distinction were given similar types of gifts.

The wise men had traveled a long distance to worship and honor Jesus.  Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were valuable. When the wise men presented these gifts to Jesus they were being very generous.

This group of Gentile wise men gave gifts to Jesus because they recognized Him as “the king of the Jews”.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh can be viewed as gifts with significant symbolic meanings.

Gold

Gold was the usual gift given to kings by their subjects or by those wanting to pay their respect.  Great achievements are often rewarded with gold.  Gold is often associated with wisdom.  A large amount of gold was used in the construction of the temple.

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus gold, be reminded that
  Jesus is “King of kings and Lord of lords”.

Frankincense

When burned, frankincense produces a pleasing aroma.  Incense was used in worship, where it was burned as an offering to God.  Burning incense symbolized prayers rising to the heavens.

… and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations. (Exodus 30:8 ESV)

Now while he (Zechariah) was serving as priest before God …, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense (on the altar of incense). And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. (Luke 1:8-10 ESV)

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus frankincense, be reminded that
  Jesus deserves our worship.

Myrrh

In Bible times myrrh was used in embalming the dead

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.  So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. (John 19:39-40 ESV)

Myrrh was also used during crucifixions. Myrrh was mixed with wine and offered to Jesus when he was dying on the cross.

And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. (Mark 15:23 ESV)

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus myrrh, be reminded that
  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
What gifts are you giving to Jesus this Christmas?

Merry Christmas

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