"Entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11).
The gold, frankincense and myrrh - these costly gifts were customary at that time. This type of gift giving was a standard way to honour a King or God in the ancient world. According to historians, "these same three items were apparently among the gifts, recorded in the ancient inscriptions, that King Seleucus II Callinicus offered to the god Apollo at the temple in Miletus in 243 BC", (unknown quote used by many historians though). This means that the magi were following a protocol by bringing these gifts.
Another tradition has it as, Gold, presented by Melchior of Persia, represents earthly royalty and virtue and is mentioned frequently in the early historical record (see Exodus 30, 1-38), as is the frankincense that was offered by Kasper of India, which is associated with deity and prayer, and while Balthazar of Arabia brought myrrh (used both as an anointing and an embalming oil) representing death and suffering.
We now know that of the three gifts, The gold represents Christ’s kingship; frankincense, a sweet-smelling resin used in worship, his priesthood; and myrrh, an ointment used in burial, foreshadows his death also represents to the passion of Jesus. (Mark 15:23).
What's the inference of these three gifts on our lives?
Gold - "..and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them Kings (Kingdom) and Priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:9,10.
Frankincense - Classical historian Herodotus observed, “The trees bearing frankincense are guarded by winged serpents of various colours”. The collectors of frankincense had to be cautious about the colourful snakes on the trees while collecting. We too should be cautious of the worldly vices and present ourselves as a sweet smelling sacrifice to our Lord. "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God; this is true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1,2.
Myrrh - "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs", "if anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it." Matthew 5:10, 16:24,25.
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