Matthew 2:1-2, 11 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him….On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasurers and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh….[New International translation]
Biblical Lesson
The visit of the Magi is one of the great visual images of Christmas. Numerous children plays will include three young children, wrapped up in old robe like “bed sheets” with crowns on their heads. You may remember receiving or sending numerous Christmas cards over the years of three crowned men on camels with outstretched hands holding gifts. Or, you may recall images of three men entering a stable presenting their gifts to baby Jesus, lying in the manger, with Mary and Joseph stand nearby the baby under a huge bright shining star. These are the “Three Wise Men.” These are the images we have carried around with us for years. Many have even suggested that the reason we give each other gifts at Christmas is to remind us of these three wise men who gave gifts to Jesus. And because of their gifts, during the weeks before Christmas many journey far and near, going from store to store, and spend hours searching the internet for just the right gift to give.
However the story of the visit of the Magi actually described in the Gospel of Matthew may not be what we envisioned as children or have carried with us even into our adult years.
First, when Matthew describes the visit of the magi or wise men from the east who journeyed to Jerusalem, the number three is never mentioned. Matthew just states that there came Magi or wise men from the east. Perhaps there were three or four or many wise men that came. We often assume there were just three because of the three gifts that are mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Although we assume that the “shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8) and the Magi all arrived at the manger, where the newly birthed Jesus was lying, around the same time, as is often the case in children’s Christmas plays, Matthew’s Gospel states that the Magi came to “the house.” Some even believe that perhaps the Magi’s visit was a few years after the birth of Jesus, since the Magi had to travel far. Others point out that there is no reference in the Gospel of Luke of the shepherds following a bright star.
And then there are the gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. What was the purpose of these gifts? Some state that the gifts were “symbolic” of gift the kind of gifts you would give to a king during those times. Gold represents a valuable (like money), myrrh being an anointing oil, and frankincense a perfume.
Other believe the gifts were spiritual in nature, with gold representing an earthly kingdom, frankincense (an incense which was often used in the temples during worship) representing the deity of Jesus and myrrh and embalming oil representing death. In ancient Egyptians used both frankincense and myrrh to embalm. Many believe these gifts point to Jesus’ death for us on the cross. Others believe these gifts were actually used to anoint Jesus’s body after his crucifixion.
Some have stated that the gold symbolized virtue, frankincense symbolized prayer and myrrh suffering. Others believe the Magi’s gifts were for Mary and Joseph and later used to finance the family’s trip and stay in Egypt, where they fled to escape King Herod’s persecution.
The visit of the Magi and all the speculation about their gifts show that it is easy to “get mixed up.” Just like today, it is easy to focus on the wrong thing. This month there will be a lot of speculation about “other’s gifts”--whether they will be well-received, whether they are “right,” how they should be used, if they will be used, when they should be used or even if they should or will be returned.
Like today, there may be very little focus on GOD’s sacrificial gift to humanity, JESUS.
Stay Focused on Health and Plan Ahead During the Holidays
With candy canes dripping from Christmas trees, Christmas stockings filled with sweets, sugar cookies, boxes of chocolate gifts, and lots of fast food between shopping trips, it is easy to lose focus on the need to still eat healthy during the holidays. Web MD offers a number of holiday planning tips for holiday parties and gatherings:
- Never Arrive Hungry - New York psychologist Carol Goldberg, PhD, says planning ahead can help you maintain discipline in the face of temptation. "Don't go to a party when you're starving," she warns. Try to have a nutritious snack beforehand. If you do arrive hungry, drink some water to fill up before filling your plate.
- Divert Your Attention - Many people forget that there's more to a holiday party than food, Goldberg tells WebMD. "Don't look at the party as just a food event," she says. "Enjoy your friends' company or dancing. Focus on something other than food." "Take your mind off of food and focus on the conversation."
- Pace Yourself - Chewing more slowly will fill you up with less food…Munch at a leisurely pace, put your fork down between every bite. “This puts you in control.”
- Outsmart the Buffet - When dinner is served buffet-style, use the smallest plate available and
don't stack your food; limit your helpings to a single story. "Go for the simplest foods on the buffet," "Fresh fruits and vegetables are good choices. Watch out for sauces and dips. - Limit Alcohol - Avoid drinking too much alcohol at holiday parties. "It's not just about calories but about control," Finn explains. "If you drink a lot, you won't have as much control over what you eat." If you feel out of place without a drink, Goldberg suggests sipping water or club soda, "so you have something to carry like everyone else."
- Bring Your Own Treats - Whether you're going to a friend's party or an office potluck, consider bringing a low-calorie treat that you know you'll enjoy. Bringing your own dessert will make the more fattening alternatives less tempting. And don't feel your dessert has to be typical holiday fare. "Get away from rigid thinking about what holiday food has to be," Goldberg says. "People love fruit."
- Walk It Off - Make a new holiday tradition: the family walk. Besides burning some extra calories, this will get everyone away from the food for awhile. "Get people off the couch and move," Finn says. "Go out for a walk as a family before or after the meal." She says walking not only benefits you physically but also puts you in a mindset to be more careful about what you eat. "There's something about activity that puts you in control."
See, “10 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain,” by Susan G. Rabin MA and Louise Chang, MD, www.webmd.com
Stay Focused-Let’s Not Forget GOD’s Love
It is easy to lose focus. So plan ahead. Plan to remind yourselves and others what is really important and why we celebrate. That it was not the gifts of the Magi or gifts exchanged with each other, but GOD’s gift to us that is important. Let’s remember that GOD’s love gift is the greatest gift of all.
So, let’s stay focused.
Remember to love like JESUS and BE BLESSED!
