To Adorn, To Sanctify, And To Anoint

When Moses began construction of the Tabernacle, he invited all to offer up gifts of gold to adorn the resting place of the Lord. Frankincense was included as part of the incense offering to be burned before the Ark of the Covenant as part of the sanctification process. One of the important ingredients in the holy anointing oil used by the priesthood to anoint the Tabernacle was myrrh. Gold, frankincense and myrrh were used to adorn, sanctify and anoint first the Tabernacle and then later the Temple. Speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus Christ said, "But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple." (Matthew 12:6). The wise men traveling from the East recognized that they were journeying to meet one greater than the temple and they brought with them gold to adorn Him, frankincense to sanctify Him and myrrh to anoint Him. We may not be able to afford such kingly gifts, but we can still adorn the Son of God with our good works, and sanctify Him with our righteous acts, and anoint Him with our tears of Godly sorrow and repentance. Whether we feel that our gifts gleam like pure gold or are as dull as rusted iron, whether we think they burn as sweet as frankincense or as bitter as rotten fruit, whether we believe they are as soothing as myrrh or as caustic as bleach, Christ will nevertheless see the intent of our hearts and, in His hands, our gifts will adorn, sanctify and anoint Him and His work and His glory and He will bear them proudly as the very finest gold, frankincense and myrrh.