The gifts of the Magi, gold, frankincense and myrrh, are to most of us unfamiliar, ancient and possibly a mystery. Merriam-Webster’s definition of gold is “a yellow malleable ductile element.” Frankincense is “a fragrant gum resin from trees in regions of Somalia and Arabia, used in religious rites.” Myrrh is “an aromatic yellowish-brown gum resin used in perfumes.”
No one I know received any of these exotic gifts this Christmas, not even gold. Gift-giving has certainly changed since Jesus’ birth but the intention behind the giving has surely remained the same. Our gifts come wrapped in ribbons of kindness, generosity and love. We give, hoping the gift will bring a moment of happiness to the receiver. Most of us give with generosity and without expecting something in return.
This Epiphany Sunday we will sing about “paying homage.” We’ll watch as our very own “Magi” approach the altar at the 10:00 AM Mass bearing gifts. We’ll bless our homes with chalk so that all who enter them are also blessed. Maybe our “gifts of homage” this 2012 should be plain and simple gifts of “self.” Consider the gift of a smile to someone you pass in the aisle at Giant Eagle, or allowing a car to merge into your lane as you drive on the Parkway West. Perhaps think about spending a moment listening to someone repeat a story you may have heard many times before, or telling someone that you really do appreciate them. These are precious gifts that do not bear a price tag, are not found in any store, but would never be returned. These are gifts that make the Christ Child smile.
