Myrrh for a Baby
Were the wise men crazy? Why was a baby given myrrh, a symbol of death, as a present?
We know the story – three wise men bearing gifts. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. But wait, why myrrh as a gift for a baby?
The first two gifts make sense: gold for a King and frankincense (an incense) as a symbol for deity. But myrrh – an embalming oil symbolising death? Surely not the top of anyone’s wish list at Christmas, especially not for a baby!
Why did the wise men give myrrh to the baby Jesus? – What did it signify about Jesus’ purpose and eventual death on a cross?
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Possible Discussion Questions
- Have you ever thought about the significance of the wise men’s gifts?
- Why is Jesus’ birth at Christmas so intrinsically linked with his death at Easter?
