“Every Gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness.” —Richard Bach. Most of us during the Holidays buy, receive, and give gifts to others and sometimes buy presents for ourselves. The tradition is portrayed in Matthew 2: 1–12 when the Three Wise Men (the Magi) offered gifts to baby Jesus. We have come to know these Wise Men were educated individuals having studied astronomy, astrology and the sciences of the day. 

What’s more important was the energy, consideration, and respect they each presented to Jesus. The Three distinguished Wise Men journeyed from afar and were led by the unusually vibrant star in the heavens, revealing Jesus’ importance and birth place. They honored the beloved Baby of Joseph and Mary, who would become the ‘Anointed One,’ ‘the Messiah.’  

Moreover, Jesus became prosperous, famous, and well versed in the Jewish practices, customs, and laws. He surpassed mere human knowledge and taught from an innate wisdom and knowledge from the wellspring of Godly knowing inside him. 

When we give our gifts during the Holidays and other times throughout the year, are we bringing to our intended receiver just a present? There is more to our gifts than material substance. We give a part of ourselves, our love, appreciation, caring, and sometimes our hope for restitution. We are giving the essence of ourselves, revealed from inside us and conveyed through our gift to the receiver. The bearer of the present usually acquires as much joy and goodness as the one who receives the treasured offering. For are we not offering the best we have within us in the activity of giving our gifts?