By Tom Thomas –
Its that time of the year again. The waiting for Christmas day, the Advent season. Its traditionally the season to give and expect gifts. But this time with the pandemic, maybe there will be just that less of the gift giving. Maybe it’s a good time to read about gift giving at Christmas time, how did this tradition start.
One can argue that the first gifts ever at Christmas were to baby Jesus by the Magi- the three Wise Men from the East. We are told in the Gospel of Mathew 2: 1-13 about their intense desire to see the Baby Jesus, consulting even Herod for directions. Then making their way to Him, as directed by a Star that was visible intermittently until they found the Baby Jesus in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. They then gave him symbolic gifts of great value – gold, frankincense and myrrh – after falling on their feet and worshipping him. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own county by another way.
Their journey is forever etched in our hearts by the yearly renditions of WE THREE KINGS – the Christmas Carol. Now what could we learn from the lives of these Three Wise Men – the Magi. They were indeed learned scholars, and yet they had within them the burning desire to witness with their own eyes, the Savior. So, taking with them the best that they could offer to the Saviour, they make their long and arduous journey to find Him, guided by Divine providence through the Star. It is symbolic that we hang the Star outside our homes every Christmas season, and this leads one to the Manger or Crib, and baby Jesus in our homes and hearts.
The worshipping of Baby Jesus by these three wise men and giving him the best that they could possibly offer, is a remainder to us, I think, that whatever we do, let us give our best efforts to the Lord, as our offering to him. Only the best, and nothing else will do. The Gift of this present moment too, let us offer up to the Lord. And in giving our best to the Lord, we are enriched much beyond our wildest dreams. Let us be sure that we will be filled with great joy like the Three Wise Men.
On the topic of the Magi and gifts, there is also a story written more than a century ago by O Henry about the great love that an almost penniless couple had for each other. In wanting to give the best to each other for Christmas, they each sacrificed (unknowing to the other), what they each held most dear. You can see the online version of the story here. The true spirit of Gift Giving is captured in this story, how $1.87 is stretched to buy priceless gifts. Do read it if you can spare a few minutes.
In summary, let us Give of our very Best to others this Christmas. For , “ It is more Blessed to give than to receive.” ( Acts 20:25).
I put in my best efforts to put these lines down too. It is my Gift to you, dear reader. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.