“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

Giving

During the Christmas season, it seems I rush around trying to find the perfect gift for all my loved ones. It has become a time I do not enjoy. What I truly love to do is to cook and have family and friends enjoy food and time together. Ahhh, but it is the Christmas season and the time of gift giving. So, when reading my Bible, I ran across Matthew chapter 2 and found gift giving. This is where the Magi go to Jesus and give him gifts. These are not just ordinary gifts—they are gold, frankincense and myrrh.

These were expensive gifts. Gold was a gift worthy for a king. Frankincense is primarily used as incense, a gift for a deity. Myrrh is a spice oil that is used for someone who is to die. I understand the value of gold, but I needed to do a little research on frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense and myrrh are both resins—hardened sap—from trees. These trees are found in Africa and the Middle East. The trees are slashed and allowed to “bleed” the sap that comes from them. It hardens and forms beads that look like “tears.” Truly these were thoughtful, meaningful and useful gifts to give to our Lord and Savior.

I thought, what could I possibly give to Jesus that would have any value at all? Then I remembered a saying I heard years ago, “the way to spell LOVE is T-I-M-E.” I can give Jesus my time in prayer, in studying God’s Word, in worship, and showing His love to others. Spending time with Jesus gives me the right perspective on the Christmas season, and I feel His love in the Scriptures I read and study. I can spend love time with people who are lonely, or going through a rough time. I can send cards, make phone calls, even e-mail or text friends and loved ones, letting them know I am thinking of them and praying for them. God has convicted me that my time is more valuable to Him than any gift I could buy.

Now don’t think I am off the hook for gift buying. I know I am not. My perspective has just changed. I do love seeing the joy on loved one’s faces when they open that special gift, especially the little ones in our family, but spending time with my Lord and glorifying Him in all I do and say is what is really important.

“Lord, I pray that I would be drawn to You each day no matter how busy and pressed for time I am. Show me those around me who just need some time. Bless this busy time of year and my interactions with all whom I come into contact with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”