What do you give to someone who already has everything? On everyone’s gift list there is at least one person who presents this challenge to our seasonal shopping; someone, who because of their age or affluence, seems to have it all. This is not just a 21st century problem. It was the challenge of the very first Christmas presents ever given.
Consider the challenge the Wise Men of the Christmas account had. True, their Christmas list had only one person on it, but it was the Son of God! Talk about the ultimate person who already has everything! God owns it all! He needs nothing! So what did they give him? Not a gift reflecting a need, but gifts reflecting His character.
He was given gold. Traditionally this was the correct gift to present a king. Jesus Christ is the King of kings. How appropriate to give Him gold.
He was given frankincense, the fragrant gift for a priest. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, who stands before the Father’s throne, interceding for the world. What better expression of love could one give than a gift of incense?
He was given myrrh, the embalmer’s spice. Not the most uplifting gift, but an appropriate recognition that Jesus’ death would take away sin’s guilt from the world.
As you wrestle with that difficult name on your list, remember to add Jesus’ name as well. But do not despair. Despite the fact that He has everything, the Wise Men have already set the example.
So here are my suggestions. Recognize Jesus as your King and surrender your life to Him. Recognize Him as your High Priest and offer up prayers each day, which is worship incense to God. Recognize Jesus’ death as your freedom from sin and willfully die out to sin’s influence in your life.
This may not have helped you choose gifts for the difficult people on your list, but hopefully it has enabled you to choose the right gift for the most important one on your list – Jesus Christ. After all, it’s His birthday. Shouldn’t he receive our best?
Pastor Mark