In 1857, John H. Hopkins, Jr. penned the classic Christmas hymn “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” It is most likely this hymn in combination with three specifically mentioned gifts in the Bible—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—that establishes the image of three wisemen in modern day nativity sets. In truth, many biblical scholars believe the caravan of Magi to be as great as 200 in keeping with historical and cultural traditions of travel at that time.
Ironically, the Magi are considered the premiere gift-givers of the original Christmas event. Their gifts were extravagant by the day’s standards, and to call their gifts “costly” seems somewhat understated. What possible brown paper packages could they receive? To the Magi, came two brown paper packages; the gift of wisdom and the gift of discernment. Both of which were greatly needed in order to avoid King Herod’s brutal schemes.
Matthew 2:11-12 (NIV) On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Some modern denominations today would distort discernment to be some type of prophetic pronouncements, sometimes referred to as “words of knowledge.” Yet holding to the basic definition of discernment indicates the ability to distinguish between two things (e.g., reality v. fiction; truth v. falsehood, etc.). The Magi were given the ability to understand that King Herod’s claim to “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him” (c.f., 2:8) was in fact, a falsehood. King Herod’s intention was not to worship but to kill the child for fear the child would become a king.
All wisdom comes from God; and God will give wisdom liberally to any who ask of sincere motives. He gives generously and without reprimand. (c.f., James 1:5-8)
Both gifts, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and the amount of wisdom needed for daily circumstances can be ours when we seek God with a sincere heart.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
When we are in need, we ask you to grant us the brown paper package of wisdom in the amount you trust us to handle correctly. In a world so full of misguiding information, thank you for giving us the brown paper package of discernment enabling us to stay focused on you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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