Day 3: The Wise Men

Day 3: The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)

My cute little wise men ornament

I referenced Elder Kearon's address yesterday with the shepherds and I love what he added in regard to the wise men: "There is much we can learn from the Wise Men. Like them, we should study the scriptures and know the signs to watch for as we all prepare the earth for the Savior’s Second Coming. Then, as we search and ponder the scriptures, we will more fully desire to seek the Lord every day of our lives and, as a gift to Him, give up our selfishness, pride, and rebelliousness. When personal revelation comes to alter the plans we have made, we can obey, having faith and trust that God knows what is best for us. And ultimately, through lives of true discipleship, we must fall down and worship the Savior in humility and love.

This discipleship doesn’t necessarily require us to leave our sheep in the fields or to cross deserts. Our journey to Him isn’t physical; it is spiritual and behavioral. It involves accepting and embracing the fact that His Atonement is infinite and covers every aspect of our lives—our sin, weakness, pain, sickness, and infirmity."

I think of the gifts they gave to the Savior in reverence, in love, and foreshadowing his purpose and mission in this life. Gold stood as a symbol of his kingship. Frankincense was a token of his divinity, and as the most powerful essential oil, a reminder of his healing power. Also, it was often used in priesthood ordinances, burnt offereings and annointings and stands as a symbol of his priesthood power. Myrrh, used to prepare the dead, symbolized his suffering and death. And as wonderful as these gifts were, both practically to the young Joseph and Mary as well as symbolically, they pale in comparison to the gifts the Savior offers us. And as I approach the Christmas season and think about what gifts to give those I love, I strive to make them a reflection of the kind of gifts Christ gives.
 May our gifts this year be of love not out of money and direct both the giver and the receiver towards the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of the world.

Here is a wonderful video about this: Wise men still seek him.