Building Project

“We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts, we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.”

With these evocative words begins one of the most beautiful and meaningful songs of Christmas. Written by Rev. John H. Hopkins, Jr. in 1857 for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. This song tells the story of the visit of the Magi as recorded in Matthew chapter 2. Though the event actually took place some time after Jesus’ birth, the appearance of the Magi is part and parcel of the Christmas Story. Repeated telling has embroidered the spare elegance of the actual events recorded in Scripture. We don’t know their names or where they were from, but they were Gentiles like us. We don’t know how many were actually in their party. Though we know little about them, they knew enough to take their place in the story of redemption. Specifically, they knew 3 things: 1) The Child was the King of the Jews. 2) His miraculous sign in the heavens was a star. 3) They should worship Him. (Matt 2:2) This they did, which should remind us that before we give God our stuff we need to give Him ourselves. And thus does the song continue: “Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.” Gold carries the same message to all peoples in all times. It is precious and enduring. It is a gift fit for royalty. Gold was associated with the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple. The lid of the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat where the Shekina Glory dwelt between the cherubim, was overlaid with pure gold. The child was King of kings, Lord of lords and King of the Jews and this gift recognized that. “Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh. Prayer and praising all men raising worship Him, God most High.” As the name implies, frankincense is a fragrant plant resin which was powdered and used in perfumes and incense. It was used in a mixture placed in the Tent of Meeting where God met with man. The sweet aroma symbolized prayers ascending to God. This incense was solely for use in worship. (Ex 30:34-38) Its sweet presence pointed to Christ’s role as priest forever who intercedes for us. (Heb 7:24-25). “Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering doom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone cold tomb.” Most poignantly, the myrrh, this baby gift points directly to Christ as “the lamb slain before the foundation of the world.” Its taste is bitter as were Jesus’ sufferings. The sword of loss would pierce Mary’s own soul as well, as she would know the singular grief of losing a beloved child. After Jesus was taken from the cross His body was anointed with myrrh and aloes and wrapped in preparation for burial. These gifts showed the Magi’s estimation and esteem for the infant Christ. They traveled a great distance and braved the malice of the tyrant Herod himself for aid in finding “The King of the Jews.” Remarkable men indeed! And what happened to these gifts fit for a king? Many think they were sold to provide money for the humble family to live on as they fled to Egypt and back again. Not very romantic - but very practical! As are most acts of faith. This raises the question: Can we give to God, really??? The answer is a resounding YES! And what we give tells what we think of Him and His importance in our lives. Let us be taught by perhaps Jesus first Gentile worshippers and give generously to Him and his work here at Calvary this Christmas Season. Please give to the Building Fund.