"And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshipped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”   ~ Matthew 2:11 (nasb)


antonia cobble, a good friend of mine, had shared this idea of gift giving with me years ago.  we have been doing it ever since.  instead of stressing over buying every present on your family’s wish list, pick just three gifts for each person to represent the 3 gifts the kings presented to Jesus.  the gifts become more thoughtful, less stressful and more meaningful.   with these three presents, gifts from family, stockings and one santa present my boys have plenty on Christmas morning.


GOLD - def.: a precious metal of great value.


            - This is the “big” gift, the gift the person has really been wanting or is somewhat expensive.


FRANKINCENSE - def.:  the aromatic dried resin collected from the bark of several trees in the boswellia family.  the israelites prized it as an ingredient in perfume, but even more as a part of the sacred incense used in worship.


            - This is the unique gift, something that is special to that person. for example, if the person likes to paint, maybe they would like new paints or new brushes.


MYRRH - def.:  a plant whose expensive, aromatic gum was used in perfume and incense, as well as in preparing bodies for burial.


              - this is the practical gift, something that will be used with purpose. for example, clothes or tools.

Have a wonderful holiday season!  Merry Christmas!