Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh: Reflections on Matthew 2:1-12

January 02, 2013 by Alyce McKenzie

Continued from Page 1

Are our motives ever mixed with less savory ingredients like self-interest, fear, and hypocrisy?

"When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy" (Mt. 2:10).

They knelt and paid him homage" (Mt. 2:11).

Does our acknowledgement of Jesus' Lordship over our lives and our world bring us joy? Do we really believe it is a reality, or deep down do we think it is wishful thinking?

"Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt. 2:11).

How do we honor Christ as our ruler, revere him as the Son of God, and lament his identity as the crucified Messiah?

"Having been warned in a dream, they left for their own country by another road" (2:12).

Whose guidance do you trust? How have you discovered whom to trust?

This epiphany season, may we be as determined as the wise men in following all signs that lead to Christ. May we be as savvy as they became to the threats to his life in this world. May we be as willing to pay him homage in our lives. The church supply website may be out of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we can continue to give them as gifts to Christ this year, and through him, as gifts to all those we encounter as we travel to our own country by another road.

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About Alyce McKenzie

Alyce M. McKenzie is the George W. and Nell Ayers Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

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