February 6

And fell down and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.—Matthew 2:11.

NOTWITHSTANDING the very humble situation in which they find the child Jesus, the faith of the wise men embraces him, as the long-expected and new-born king. Hence they fall down before him, and worship him. Then they opened their treasures, and presented unto him gifts. I. They give him gold, as a sort of voluntary tribute, as king "To him shall be given of the gold of Sheba." II. They give him frankincense, as a divine priest, whose business it was to burn it on the sacred altar. III. They give him myrrh, as a man — as a token of that which should embalm his mortal remains. Or rather, leaving particular interpretation out of the matter, they gave him the most precious things their country possessed. Here then we behold the industrious perseverance of these men, their strong and vigorous faith, their profound humility, and, finally, their gratitude and noble generosity. By their gifts the Saviour was provided with the means of being conveyed into Egypt, and of abiding there until the death of the murderous Herod. Behold, then, in the star, an emblem of the glorious gospel. In the wise men, an illustrious example of faith, perseverance, and liberality. And in their presence at the feet of Christ a certain token of that success which shall assuredly crown the efforts of all who seek Jesus in spirit and in truth. And now let us daily present unto Jesus the myrrh of repentance for our sins; the frankincense of faith in his precious merits, as the only sacrifice for guilt; and the gold of our supreme love, as the beloved of our souls, the joy of our hearts, and our salvation for ever.