One rainy day I stopped by this beautiful little catholic store on Morne Cocoa road in Chrystal Stream. The lady there showed me a gift box of usable Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Today’s Gospel identifies these items as being among the treasures of the Magi. The box came with a legend associated with Jesus’ receiving of these gifts.
I don’t know where it originated, but the legend states that the Magi or wise men were actually Kings. This is found nowhere in the Gospels. In fact the bible does not even identify the quantity as three.
The Gold was supposedly given by Melchior, a king of Arabia. He was the oldest of the three Kings. Gold was given to our Lord because he is King here on earth.
The Frankincense was given by Balthasar, a king from Saba (present day Yemen). Frankincense is resin or dried sap of the Boswellia tree. This tree has grown on the craggy slopes of the Arabian Sea for thousands of years. In ancient times Frankincense was equally as precious as gold. It was used in Holy ceremonies, and was given to show that Jesus was High Priest (in the order of Melchizadeck) and God.
Myrrh is also a resin. It is used as incense. It is native to Somalia and Ethiopia, however in ancient times the finest Myrrh came from southern Arabia. The Myrrh was a gift from Caspar, a king from Tarsus (modern day Turkey). Myrrh was used in anointing oil and was also used in funeral rites. It is said to have been given as a sign of the death Jesus was destined to save the world by.
Now, whatever the source or story surrounding the birth of Jesus, there is something that we must remember: His birth was foretold and was accompanied by great signs. No regular persons birth would be as such. It is the heralding of the King of kings.
He is the real treasure.
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