WHY GOLD, FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH? | DJ-JOYFUL LEWIS
WHY GOLD, FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH? | DJ-JOYFUL LEWIS
Gold is a symbol of divinity and is mentioned throughout the Bible. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with gold Exodus 25:10-17. The gift of gold to the Christ child was symbolic of His divinity – God in flesh.
Frankincense is highly fragrant when burned and was therefore used in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God Exodus 30:34. Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. The gift of frankincense to the Christ child was symbolic of His willingness to become a sacrifice, wholly giving Himself up, equivalent to a burnt offering.
Myrrh is a spice and was used in embalming. It was also sometimes mingled with wine to form an article of drink. Such a drink wss given to our Savior when He was about to be crucified, as a stupefying potion Mark 15:23. Mathew 27:34 refers to it as “gall.” Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction. The baby Jesus would grow to suffer greatly as a man and would pay the ultimate price when He gave His life on the cross for all who would believe in Him.