Christ’s entrance into this world and His human nature are all foretold by the Prophets. 2000 Years ago our Savior was born in a cave. The God of gods, the Creator of all, decided to take on flesh, to humble himself and arrive as a new born child born in a cave. He could have arrived in royalty, but he chose a humble entry.
We know from Scripture and Tradition that three wise men traveled from far to see the New Born King. They brought three of the world’s most precious commodities of the time, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Frankincense is an incense taken from the gum resin and Myrrh is a yellow to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin both found in east African or Arabian trees. Myrrh was used as a sweet smelling fragrance and an anesthetic for topical application. Gold represents extreme value, and is one of the most desirable minerals of all time.
I have often wondered if I were a wise man, what would I have to offer our King? What a difficult idea to contemplate. Usually, Christmas is a time for us to create a wish list of items we would like to receive. Objects of our desire, which often are forgotten about by February. What would I offer?
As I think about it, there is nothing I posses that does not belong to Him. I own nothing that is truly “mine.” I have become a Steward of two beautiful boys, a lovely wife, an enchanting family, and an amazing Parish. So, rather than ponder, “What would I offer?” I ask, “What could I offer?”
I cannot give Him hope, faith, or peace, for He is my source for these treasures! As I close my eyes and truly reflect upon this question, the rhythm of my favorite Christmas song “The Little Drummer Boy” echoes through my head, “ba rum bum bum bum . . .” This little musician stands before the infant Lord and offers his talent. He has nothing to give but the talent bestowed upon him from the One-high God. “Shall I play for Him?” the Drummer Boy asks.
If I were a Wise man, what would I, what could I offer? Myself! Here I am! What can we give God who gives us so much? What could we offer the One who owns everything? Ourselves! Our entire being! Our true and fervent desire to become a better people! Here I am!
This Christmas ask your Lord and King, just as the Little Drummer Boy asks, “Shall I play for Him?” This is what our Lord wants. He wants us to present ourselves, completely, fully, without compromise and conditions. Not for a couple of hours a week while we daydream through services, but every breathing moment of every waking hour, give him yourself!
What should we offer the Infant Savior this Christmas? Like the Magi, let us first offer our humility by acknowledging His divinity. Let’s fall down before Him and worship Christ God. The Magi were renewed by the Birth of Jesus. When they left the cave, the birthplace of our Lord, they also left behind their former practices of sorcery and magic. They were renewed by the nativity of our Lord. Let us take the example of the three wise men and leave behind our evil ways. Lets abandon our attachment to the devices of this world and seek out the peace of God.
Lets renew ourselves with the Birth of our Lord!
