What gifts are you carrying into 2025?
As we enter 2025, we carry with us the uncertainty and fragility that have defined recent times, marked by troubles, like natural disasters and global conflicts. Yet, in the midst of this upheaval, we are reminded of the transformative presence of Jesus, "Emmanuel," who disrupts not with death, but with the promise of life in its fullness. As we reflect on this holy season and face an unwritten future, we are challenged to consider what we intentionally pack for the journey ahead, embracing faith, hope, and purpose.
What are we packing in our travel bags for 2025.
The Magi in search of the new king born packed the normal items -- toothbrushes, star maps, tents, food. But they safely tucked away gifts of value. They were aware they were traveling to meet the king.
These were not just indiscriminate, random gifts…each had special significance because each symbolized a special attribute of our Lord Jesus.
1. THE GIFT OF GOLD
Gold is the king of metals. By bringing gold to Jesus they were acknowledging that He is a King. If we acknowledge that He is king of our lives -- we are saying that everything we are -- everything we have -- belongs to Him.
What does that imply? That if God is king -- He must have first place in everything. Our decisions, work, homes, marriages, time, talent and our treasure.
“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
2. THE GIFT OF FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense is a fragrant perfume and represents our inner being.
Thoughts-devotion-emotions.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name. Bow down to the Lord in the splendour of holiness. Psalm 29:2
This speaks about our spirituality
The Prophet Micah asks:- “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted Lord.”? Micah 6:6
If we are defined by what we own – that’s real poverty.
Frankincense symbolizes what is within a person. It is the fragrance of our spirituality?
Who we are, when nobody’s looking? What fills our mind and thoughts when we’re alone?
“as a man thinketh so is he” Proverbs 23:7
3. THE GIFT OF MYRRH
Myrrh is a bitter spice used for EMBALMING a body before burial.
It represents a picture of sorrow and suffering.
This is the supreme gift. But strangely, it is the hardest gift to give because it is so costly.
The reason why sorrow hardens one person, and melts another, is just that one person keeps the sorrows internally, and the other offers it to God.
People generally can't face the pain of the world. Because it's too costly, you see. They strive to be blissfully unaware of the suffering in the world.
Carrying this gift takes something from you-it costs.
It involves our emotions as we become aware of their suffering – it can break our hearts.
It moves us into action using our talents. Takes time and effort.
It may mean sharing what we have with them.
“If any of you wants to be my follower,’ Jesus told them,’ you must put aside your own pleasures and shoulder your cross, and follow me closely.” Mark 8 : 34 (LB)
How do we include that gift in our travel pack? By equipping ourselves to stand alongside people.
These are the gifts of the Magi that were so preciously tucked away in their travel bags.
Finally, packing for 2025 is the beginning of a lifelong journey-we need to be careful what we pack.
The bottom line is actually:-
If we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, we will want to bring Him our costliest gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
How would that translate for you and I?
What will make our lives more meaningful in 2025? More money? More entertainment? More possessions? We are more than all of these! We need to turn to our Lord and Saviour and offer God our gifts.
My challenge to us:-
To trust God and put Him first in our lives whatever the new year brings.
A NEW YEAR PRAYER.
O Lord, we pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of the way this New Year. We ask that You guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire You above all else. We ask that You open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire You’ve put within our hearts.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in and through our lives. May we reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
To You be glory and honour, in this New Year, and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
