"Gifts Fit For A King" by Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. (12/21/2025)

Gifts Fit for a King: The True Meaning of Christmas

The Christmas season often becomes a whirlwind of activity—shopping lists, holiday parties, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, we can easily lose sight of the very reason we celebrate. The story of the wise men who traveled from the east to worship the newborn King offers us a profound reminder of what Christmas is truly about: giving our very best to Jesus.

The Journey of the Wise Men

Matthew chapter 2 tells us about a remarkable group of travelers who journeyed hundreds of miles following a star. These weren't ordinary travelers—they were magi, members of an influential fraternity in the Babylonian and Persian empires. These were scholars, well-versed in mathematics, science, and astronomy. They were king-makers, individuals whose approval was required before Persian kings could ascend to their throne.

Yet when they discovered the star announcing the birth of the King of Kings, they didn't hesitate. They packed up their most valuable possessions and made the arduous journey to worship Him. This wasn't a casual trip or a convenient detour—it was a deliberate pilgrimage to honor royalty.

What's striking is that these Gentile scholars had been studying the prophecies, likely passed down from the prophet Daniel centuries earlier. They understood that a King was coming who would be unlike any other—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When they finally arrived at the house where Jesus was, they didn't come empty-handed. They brought gifts that were both prophetic and practical: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gold: Recognizing His Royalty

Gold was reserved for royalty. It wasn't a common gift you'd give to just anyone—it was specifically meant for kings, for those with authority and power. By presenting Jesus with gold, the wise men declared His regal status. This wasn't just a nice gesture; it was a coronation offering.

This challenges us to consider what we're giving to Jesus. Are we offering Him our leftovers, or are we giving Him our absolute best? Do we give to God as an afterthought, after we've satisfied every other obligation and desire? Or do we recognize that everything we have—our jobs, our health, our homes, our very breath—comes from Him?

The world will gladly take the best of our time, talent, and treasure. Corporate America, social obligations, entertainment, and countless other pursuits compete for our attention and resources. But if we can give our best to all these things, surely we can give our best to the One who gave us everything.

This Christmas, Jesus deserves to be at the center. Not Santa, not the commercialism, not the endless parade of holiday distractions—but Jesus, the King of Kings. He is the reason for the season, and the spotlight should shine squarely on Him.

Frankincense: Acknowledging His Priestly Role

The second gift, frankincense, carried deep spiritual significance. This fragrant incense was used exclusively in priestly duties. In the Old Testament, God gave specific instructions about worship, including the exact recipe for incense that could be burned before Him. This wasn't to be used for common purposes—it was holy, set apart for sacred use.

Outside the Holy of Holies, priests would burn frankincense day and night, representing the prayers and petitions of the people rising to God. When people sinned and needed reconciliation with God, they needed a priest to offer up frankincense and grain offerings on their behalf.

But there was a problem with this system: the priests themselves were sinful. They needed someone to intercede for them too. The system worked, but it wasn't perfect. It pointed to the need for a greater priest—one who was sinless, one who could be both the priest and the sacrifice.

That priest is Jesus Christ. He didn't need to enter the Holy Place repeatedly, offering sacrifices over and over. He went in once, made one perfect sacrifice, and secured our eternal standing with God. Because of Jesus, we don't need a human mediator. We don't need someone else to pray on our behalf. We can come directly to the Father through Him.

The wise men, though Gentiles who had been separated from God's covenant people, understood that Jesus was the bridge to reconciliation. Through Him, all people—Jew and Gentile alike—could have a relationship with God.

Myrrh: Understanding His Redemptive Purpose

The third gift seems oddly out of place at a baby's birth. Myrrh was used for embalming the dead and as a pain reliever. Why would anyone bring such a gift to celebrate new life?

Because the wise men understood something profound: this baby was born to die. Jesus came to earth not just to live, but to lay down His life as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. The myrrh at His birth foreshadowed the myrrh that would be used at His death.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He was offered wine mixed with myrrh to numb His pain. After His death, Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes to prepare His body for burial. But Jesus didn't stay in the tomb. The myrrh couldn't hold Him because He conquered death itself.

This is the heart of Christmas: God became man so that man could be reconciled to God. Jesus was born to give us second birth, to raise us from spiritual death, to offer us redemption and eternal life.

Worship and Giving in the House of God

When the wise men arrived at the house where Jesus was, they did something remarkable. These were men of status, success, and stature. They were influential and important. Yet they bowed down and worshiped a child. They humbled themselves, set aside their titles and positions, and gave Him the honor He deserved.

Their gifts weren't just symbolic—they were practical too. These valuable gifts helped Mary and Joseph provide for Jesus as they raised Him. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh supported the family that was nurturing the Savior of the world.

This reminds us that when we give our gifts in the house where Jesus is worshiped, we're not just making a symbolic gesture. We're investing in the work of the Kingdom, helping others come to know Jesus, supporting ministry that changes lives and transforms communities.

A Little Girl's Gift

History tells the story of a little girl who desperately wanted to attend Sunday school but was turned away because there was no room. Heartbroken, she began saving her pennies—fifty-seven cents in total—hoping the church could be enlarged so other children could attend. When she died two years later, her small gift and heartfelt note inspired the church to launch a building campaign. That campaign led to the founding of Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, which seats over 3,000 people, as well as Temple University and Good Samaritan Hospital.

One little girl's gift, given with pure intention, multiplied beyond anything she could have imagined.

The Invitation

This Christmas, what gift will you bring to Jesus? Will you give Him your leftovers, or will you present Him with your very best? Will you humble yourself and worship Him as the King He is?

Whatever God has given you—time, talent, or treasure—He's asking you to give some of it back to Him. Not because He needs it, but because in giving, we acknowledge His lordship over our lives. We declare that He is worthy, that He is King, and that everything we have belongs to Him.

Don't let this season pass without bringing your gifts to Jesus. Come into His presence with thanksgiving, bow down in worship, and present Him with offerings fit for a King. After all, that's exactly who He is.