By Chelsea Loomis

Isaiah 60:1 “Arise. shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (NIV)

Every year people wake up on Christmas morning full of joy and excitement. Children run to the Christmas tree dreaming of the toys Santa Claus brought them. When I think of my most memorable Christmas, it’s the year I got a Go Kart.

My brother and I ran to the living room and there it was… this beautiful black car leaning up against the wall. I immediately loved it. I also immediately assumed it belonged to my brother. So, as awestruck as I was, I moved on to other gifts. My poor Dad had to finally tell me that the beautiful car was indeed mine. To say I was overjoyed is an understatement.

That feeling of being filled with joy must be how Mary felt when the wise men brought special gifts to Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the precious child. These gifts had a special meaning.

The gold pointed to the kingship of Jesus and how he would be greater than any earthly ruler. The frankincense symbolized the divinity of Jesus and his identity as the Son of God. Frankincense was also used as an offering to God. Myrrh is a precious oil used for anointing and purification. Biblically, it was used in the book of Esther. (2:12) The wise men’s gifts of Myrrh likely foreshadowed the future death of Jesus as it was also used as an embalming oil.

Think of the best gift you could receive for Christmas… an expensive piece of jewelry… a brand-new trendy gadget… even a cute puppy.

None of these surpass the ultimate gift of life. Jesus came to earth completely blameless. He was a teacher, a friend, and finally the perfect sacrifice. Without his sacrifice of dying for us, we would be unable to pay the debt of our sins.

Isaiah 62:11 “The Lord has sent this message to every land: ‘Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.”” (NLT)

So, close your eyes and breathe in the joy of Jesus and his perfect love.