Symbolism of the gifts brought to Jesus [I Believe In Jesus]

Gold— is pure and highly valuable. A worthy metal that is beautiful and enduring. It is also scarce, and that makes it much more valuable. It is priceless. The Wise Men presented gold because they were honoring Jesus with the very best that they possessed, and they were also recognizing that Jesus was King. But what was interesting about this first gift is that gold is a particular substance that is able to survive fire.

And the Wise Men said, “We bring gold to honor Him as King, and to yield to the purification process of the fiery trials.”

Frankincense— is sweet incense and highly perfumed. It is for our sweet Savior. It’s highly fragrant and a pleasing offering to God. It is used for worship and the smoke signifies the prayers of the people ascending up to Heaven. Frankincense is obtained by slitting the bark of the Arbor tree. The white colored juice flows out of the wound of the tree. The wound and pain of the tree is symbolic of when we can worship God in the midst of our sorrow and our brokenness, then, it is a sweet smelling offering.

And the Wise Men said, “We bring frankincense to worship Him even in the midst of our brokenness.”

Myrrh— Represents bitterness. It was the bitter cup of Jesus’ suffering. Myrrh was also used as a mixture to make a sour drink and they offered it to Jesus when he was thirsty while being crucified on the cross, but he refused to drink it. Why did He refuse the drink? Because He had already drunk it. He had prayed at first that He could be spared the cup, but then He submitted to His father's will and drank it - the bitter cup of His suffering.

And the Wise Men said, “And we bring myrrh to recognize that He has identified with us in our pain and sorrow."