Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
A Metaphysical Interpretation of Matt. 2:7-11
The Story of Jesus' Soul Evolution
An unpublished manuscript written by Charles Fillmore in 1947
Pages 90-94
Text
Matt. 2:7-11. Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said. Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him. And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star. they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Interpretation
Herod, the sense ego, seeks to destroy the one who he feels will eventually dethrone him, but the Lord keeps him in ignorance of what is going on in his domain. So it is found that those in regeneration are, like Herod, seldom conscious of the new ego that is building up a kingdom in substance (Bethlehem), within the very center of the body. Herod, the man of flesh, feels that something is going on and seeks occult wisdom (Wise men), but does not seek under the divine law. He would have wisdom’s aid in destroying that which in the end is the salvation of the whole consciousness.
Herod with sense consciousness as his stronghold controls temporal government, but he cannot stop the growth of the new life within us. If we are obedient to Spirit, if we, like Joseph, watch for the guidance of the Lord.
When the soul makes a spiritual demonstration there is great rejoicing. When one begins to have faith that he is destined to do the will of God, all the riches of wise experience—gifts of gold (riches of Spirit); frankincense, (the beauty of Spirit); and myrrh (the eternity of Spirit)—are bestowed upon the young child. When the wise thoughts from within bring their presents, there is great rejoicing and satisfaction in consciousness.
The presents which the wise men bring are symbolical of the inner resources open to the Christ child.
