The Five Gifts of Christmas and Their True Meaning

The Real Gifts That Matter This Christmas Season

Listen, I know Christmas can get twisted up in our minds. We're so focused on what we're getting, what we're giving, and whether people will like what we bought them. But today, I want to share something fresh with you - the five gifts of Christmas that will completely transform how you see this season.

This isn't just another Christmas message. This is about understanding what really happened when Jesus was born and why it matters for your life right now.

The Wise Men Had It Right From the Start

Let me take you to Matthew Chapter 2. The Magi - these wise men from the East - they came looking for the King. When they found Jesus, the Bible says they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Now here's what you need to understand: there's a principle in Deuteronomy 16:16 that says you shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. When you go before a King, you bring something. You're a kingdom citizen, so when you come before God, you bring an offering.

And listen - it doesn't have to be expensive. God's economy works at whatever level you're on. Some of you are regifting stuff anyway, and that's okay! Just make sure you take the name off first. The point is, every person gives as they're able, in accordance with the blessing the Lord has given them.

Gift #1: Gold - Recognizing Jesus as King

The first gift was gold. Gold is symbolic of a king - it signified Jesus's status as royalty. Daniel 7:14 tells us that to the Messiah was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. His dominion is everlasting, and His kingdom will never be destroyed.

That means your Father is a King. And if your Father is a King, that makes you an heir in the Kingdom. The Bible calls us heirs of salvation. That's not just religious talk - that's factual.

Philippians 2:10-11 makes it plain: at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow - in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. When those wise men fell down before that baby, they had no option. At the name of Jesus, even though He was just a baby, you're going to hit the ground. You can hit the ground by choice, or you can hit the ground by force. But you're going to hit the ground.

Gift #2: Frankincense - The Fullness of God in Flesh

Frankincense represents Him being God - the fullness of deity dwelling in bodily form. He's not just a king; He's God the Creator.

Colossians 2:9 says, "For in Him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, completely expressing the Divine Essence of God." And here's the good news: in Him, you have been made complete.

Merry Christmas - in Him you have it. In Him you have. You need to hear this: you have it in Him. You've been made complete, achieving spiritual stature through Christ.

Gift #3: Myrrh - Preparation for His Ultimate Sacrifice

Now this one is deep. Myrrh was used for burial preparation. Can you imagine? Your birthday gift as a baby is for your burial. They gave Him myrrh signifying the end. From the beginning, they were showing Him the end.

Fast forward to John 19, and we see the connection. Joseph of Arimathea - a rich man who was secretly following Jesus - asked Pilate for Jesus's body. He came with Nicodemus, bringing a mixture of myrrh weighing about 100 pounds. That's expensive, by the way. Very expensive.

Here's what you need to understand: if Joseph had been broke, he couldn't have paid for the funeral. God set him up. Sometimes you don't understand that God will put things in your hand not for you, but for Kingdom purpose. You can't make a difference if you don't have the resources to do it.

God will have you sow a seed in this season when you have no reason, because God already knows there's a need in another season. God is setting you up for a harvest you don't even see yet.

Gift #4: Praise - When Simeon Finally Saw Jesus

Now let's talk about the fourth gift - praise. There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. This man was righteous and devoted to God. The Holy Spirit had promised him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah.

Think about that. His whole life, all he wanted was to see Jesus. Not to get something. Not to have his problems solved. Just to be in His presence.

When Simeon saw Jesus in the temple, prompted by the Holy Spirit, he took that baby in his arms and started praising God. He said, "Now, Lord, you are releasing your servant to leave this world in peace, according to your word."

This man sang a song to Jesus! The first gift was gold, the second was frankincense, the third was myrrh, and the fourth gift was praise.

Psalms tells us: let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Not because life is good, but just because you've got life. There's no prerequisite on your praise. If you've got breath in your body, you've got something to praise God about.

Hebrews 13:15 says, "Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name."

Sacrifice means you may not feel like it. Sacrifice means you might be going through something. But I'm going to praise God anyhow. I'm going to give God glory anyhow, because He's been good to me.

Gift #5: Worship - Anna's Lifetime Devotion

The fifth and final gift was worship. There was a prophetess named Anna, 84 years old. She'd been married for seven years, then widowed, and for the rest of her life, she just sat in the temple worshiping God.

The Bible says she did not leave the temple but was serving and worshiping night and day with fasting and prayers. When she saw Jesus, she came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God.

John 4:23-24 tells us: "A time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Do you understand the difference? Praise is what we do. Worship is who we are.

Bringing It All Together This Christmas

So this Christmas season, when someone asks you the reason for the season, tell them Jesus had five gifts:

1. Gold - Whatever we do, let's do it to the gold standard
2. Frankincense - We're going to represent God this Christmas
3. Myrrh - Understanding He died for us
4. Praise - Because we have something to praise Him for
5. Worship - As a representation of who He is

As you go through this holiday season with family members you might not even like, just smile and understand you're making a sacrifice unto the Lord. You better be glad I'm saved right now! You better be glad I'm saved, because I'm going to represent Jesus for the next few days.

The Greatest Gift You Can Give

The greatest Christmas gift you can give to Christ is your life. John 14:6 says, "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life. No one comes to the Father but through the Son."

Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. None of us are perfect - we're all under construction. But Romans 10:9 promises that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, you shall be saved.

This Christmas, don't get caught up in what you're getting or not getting from people. Focus on what's been given to you - salvation through Jesus Christ. Focus on giving Him what He truly seeks: your praise and your worship.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

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