Gold, frankincense and PPE

A PAUL Thomas cartoon in the Daily Mail on November 19 showed three kings at Jesus’ manger with gifts of gold, frankincense and PPE.

The punch line is a masked king with the PPE saying: “'I thought PPE would be more lucrative than myrrh!” – with obvious reference to people made rich through provision of PPE.

The cartoon made me smile. It was fitting social comment and referenced monstrous profits made during the pandemic.

A TV version of the same story in a modern setting showed the three kings arriving in a plush limousine so the emphasis was again about money and large amounts of it.

The Bible highlights a contrast: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9 NIV.)

The whole of the story of Jesus highlights how he was willing to accept and make sacrifices to bring benefit to others.

His mindset for living was so alien to the power obsessed ruling clique in Jerusalem that they had him killed.

So, the strange and modest setting for his birth was telling a story. And soon after the kings’ visit Jesus became a refugee in Egypt.

Maybe we need to think about our value systems when they highlight obtaining material wealth as the pinnacle of human achievement.

Serving other people out of love is one of Jesus’ keynote teachings with a wholly different rationale.

Following Jesus has promise both for this life and the life to come.

Through his one sacrifice he has provided complete cleansing, forgiveness and everlasting life to all who choose to follow Him.

He is an unconquered champion giving victory to all who call on His Name.

REV IAN GARDNER

Newbury