The true meaning of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

While we meditate on the mysteries of Christmas, in which God becomes man, and the Supreme Creator presents Himself to Humanity as a defenseless Child resting in a Manger, the figure of the Three Wise Men from the East will also make an appearance, as a figure deeply connected with the festivities.

Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar bring in their hands their adoring homage, guided by the mysterious star leading them through the vast expanse of the deserts to the humble grotto of Bethlehem.

It has come to us that their gifts consisted of three specific objects: gold, incense and myrrh.

Gold, a precious gift and a sign of wealth, was the most appropriate present for a King. It means a sovereign's power and authority.

Frankincense, on the other hand, is the most appropriate offering to the Divinity, because as it burns, it not only evaporates in a pleasant fragrance: at the same time it slowly rises until it disappears on the heights, giving the impression that our offerings, when they are true, must ascend to God, keeping nothing for themselves.

Myrrh, however, represents neither royalty nor divine offering, but rather the opposite. It means suffering, pain and death: the Cross. Myrrh was a very precious good in ancient times. Its robust and bitter flavor had multiple uses. Regularly, it was used in the ancient world to form an ointment for embalming corpses.

Gold, incense and myrrh are a trio encompassing the essential characteristics of the Savior, of the Messiah, awaited for millennia: his Divine Person united in Himself the Priest, the King and the Victim. The Divine Child wanted to teach us that true greatness is born of oblation, abnegation, and pain. In due time, He would offer them at the foot of the true altar: the Cross.

As we end this Christmas Season, as we celebrate the arrival of the Expected One of the Nations, let us adore the Child Jesus in the arms of His Most Holy Mother, singing with the angels: "Glory in the highest heaven and peace on earth to men of goodwill," without forgetting that along with the gold and incense brought by the Magi, the bitter myrrh reminds us that "true glory can only be born of pain." 1

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1- Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira - "True glory can only be born of pain." - Revista Catolicismo, N° 78 - June 1957