Daily Word of Grace # 211 (January 6, 2021)
On the church calendar January 6 is not only the twelfth and last day of Christmas, but also Epiphany, when we commemorate Jesus Christ being manifested to the Gentiles. On Epiphany we are reminded that Jesus is the Savior of not just some of the world but all the world, both Jews and Gentiles. Scripture tells us that “wise men from the East came to Jerusalem” seeking the newborn king, Jesus Christ—and that when they had found him, they famously presented “gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:1-11). At that time gold was traditionally a gift for kings, frankincense was used in worship, and myrrh was used to embalm the dead. These three gifts point to who Jesus is and what he came to do—gold for Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), frankincense for Jesus our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and myrrh foreshadowing Good Friday when Jesus died (and was embalmed and buried) for the sins of the entire world (1 Corinthians 15:3)—Jews and Gentiles—including you. Today may the Holy Spirit lead you anew to see the face of Jesus Christ the Savior of the world, and remind you anew of God’s love for you—a love that is so strong Jesus considered you worth dying for…and still does.
Love and Prayers,
Dave