Gifts of Meaning
When I was very young my father gave each of us four children $5 and took us Christmas shopping at the Five and Dime. With $5 and five people to buy for I could spend an entire dollar on each gift. I walked all around the store and found a fascinating little container that I thought my mother could use for just about anything. I bought it and wrapped it and placed it under the tree. On Christmas morning my older brothers laughed and mocked my gift when Mother unwrapped her present, a brand new . . . denture cup.
Over the years I’ve tried to give gifts with more meaning. Consider the gifts of the Magi.
Matthew 2:10-11 10 When the [wisemen] saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child [Jesus] with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The gold signified Christ as the long-awaited King, the King of Kings who would one day rule the nations.
Frankincense spoke of Christ as our great high priest who has entered the Holy of Holies and makes intercession for His people before the Father.
Myrrh refers to Christ as Savior. This bitter resin, used chiefly in embalming, signified the purpose for which this child had been born. If we look closely, we will see the shadow of the cross cast over the baby in the manger.
Just as we hope our loved ones will respond with gratitude and joy at the gifts we give, may we too respond with gratitude and joy for the most meaningful gift of all, God's gift to us of a savior, Jesus Christ.