Among the gifts that the Magi brought to little Jesus was myrrh, which was used as a perfume in the ancient world (Matthew 2:11). This would seem to be a strange gift to give to a small child. However, they probably knew what they were doing. After all, they were wise men!

Myrrh would come into play later on in the life of Jesus. Or, more correctly, in the death of Jesus. Myrrh was among the ingredients used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39-40).

From the cradle to the cross, the purpose of Jesus coming into the world is clear. He came to die. He came to give his life as a ransom for our sins, making it possible for us to be saved.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”—Luke 19:10.