Gifts from the Magi— Part 1
Like the rising fragrance of incense, Christ’s resurrection life flows quietly but unmistakably through those who are His.
Devotional Credit: eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash
When the magi arrived and found the child Jesus, they did something astonishing: they bowed in worship. These were Gentile wise men, outsiders to Israel’s religious system, yet they recognized divinity wrapped in infancy. Unlike the Israelites—who would never dare to worship a man—the magi worshipped this child because, in Him, they discerned the presence of God Himself. Isaiah’s prophecy had come true: “Unto us a child is born... and His name shall be called... the Mighty God.”
But they did more than kneel—they opened their treasures. And these were not random gifts. Each offering spoke of Christ’s identity: gold for His divine nature, frankincense for the sweetness of His resurrection life, and myrrh (as we’ll explore tomorrow) for His death. Today, we reflect on the first two.
Gold reminds us that even as a baby, Jesus was fully divine. He was not growing into Godhood—He was God. The second gift, frankincense, symbolizes resurrection. Unlike human reasoning, which sees resurrection only after death, Jesus declared Himself to be the Resurrection before the cross. He told Martha and Mary that He was the resurrection and the life. That’s not just power over death—it’s the very essence of uncontainable, untouchable, fragrant life. From the manger to the tomb, He carried the sweet aroma of resurrection. And that same fragrance now fills us who are in Him.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I was born into your world not merely to die, but to reveal the life that death could never touch. From the very beginning, I bore the fragrance of resurrection—an incorruptible life that could never be extinguished. In Me, gold was not refined—it already gleamed with the divine nature. I came not to receive honor from men but to draw those who see through spiritual eyes into worship of the invisible God made visible.
You are joined to Me now, not just as a follower but as one who shares in My resurrection life. You are no longer defined by the temporal patterns of life and death, success and loss, pain and healing. You are defined by the eternal—by Me. Just as the magi discerned My glory before I ever spoke a word, so you now discern the divine life pulsing within you.
This day, remember that you carry gold within—My divine nature imparted to your spirit. And you carry the fragrance of frankincense—the resurrection life that makes every moment sacred. Let that aroma rise in your thoughts, your words, your steps. Where you walk, I walk. Where you breathe, I live. Where you rest, I reign.
Scriptures: Matthew 2:11, John 11:25, Isaiah 9:6
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like opening a cedar-lined drawer that’s been sealed for years. The moment the lid lifts, an unmistakable scent fills the room—warm, earthy, sweet. You can’t quite describe it, but you know it’s real. It lingers. It changes the atmosphere. That’s the resurrection life of Christ in you—it doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s quietly fragrant. Wherever your life opens to others, they inhale the aroma of the indwelling Christ.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord Jesus, thank You that I am not waiting for resurrection life—I am joined to it now because I am joined to You. Your divine nature has been given to me as a treasure within, and the sweetness of Your resurrection fills every breath I take. Even in silence, Your life within me is a fragrance of heaven. I trust You to make Yourself known through me today, not by my striving, but by Your life in me.