December 22, 2025
- djohnstoncc
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS AT THE MANGER
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
When the Magi knelt before Jesus, they didn't bring toys or blankets. They brought a sermon in a treasure chest. Matthew records these specific gifts—Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—not just as historical details, but as prophetic declarations of who this Child truly was.
Gold for the Sovereign. Gold is the currency of kings. By offering it, the Magi recognized that the toddler before them held higher rank than Herod or Caesar. He was the King of Kings, born to possess the Kingdom.
Frankincense for the Deity. Frankincense was the aroma of the temple, the smoke that rose to heaven during worship. This gift set Jesus apart from all other men. It declared that the baby in Mary’s lap was God in the flesh, worthy of awe and adoration.
Myrrh for the Sacrifice. This is the gift that stops us in our tracks. Myrrh was a crushing spice, a perfume used for burial. Why give a funeral spice to a young child? Because Jesus was born with a mission. The shadow of the Cross was already falling over the Manger. He came to die so that we might live.
Our Response We cannot match the wealth of the Magi, but we can match the spirit of their giving.
Give Him your Gold (Stewardship): Acknowledge that everything you have belongs to Him. Use your resources to advance His Kingdom, not your own empire.
Give Him your Frankincense (Worship): Don't just sing songs; offer Him the incense of a life lived in reverence. Let your daily actions be an act of worship.
Give Him your Myrrh (Surrender): This is the hardest gift. It is the gift of repentance and surrender. It is dying to your own will and saying, "Not my way, but Yours."
Reflection: Which treasure chest is the hardest for you to open this year? Is it your wallet, your worship, or your will?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I see You as King, God, and Savior. Today, I open the treasure chest of my heart. I surrender my rights and my resources. Use my life as a living sacrifice for Your glory. Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
Comments