Giving gifts

“WHAT GIFT would you like to receive this Christmas?” That is the question that resounds through our homes, rich or poor, every time this season comes around. And it is echoed and re-echoed in our workplaces (remember monito-monita, kris-kringle, etc.), and even through mass media interviews with celebrities. Come to think of it, why isn’t anyone asking “What gift would you like to give this Christmas?”? Okay, maybe we like to make people happy—or maybe we try to make sure our gift will be appreciated—and so we ask first. But what if the persons asked refuse to disclose their wish? What guides us then in our gift-giving choices?

Today’s gospel reminds us of the three wise men who followed the star to offer their gifts to the Savior, the baby in the manger in Bethlehem. They brought symbolic gifts that foreshadowed the life that baby was to live on earth, the man He was to be, and His supreme sacrifice for mankind. Gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, myrrh for His death. It’s a beautiful point to ponder for the next time we think about giving costly war toys, teddy bears, Barbie dolls, and techie gadgets to our children.

With extra effort we can think of gifts that will let recipients know that they are children of God, and will help them evolve into the human beings the Creator wants them to be. Some young people I asked gave the following gift suggestions: inspiring books, soothing music, age-appropriate projects that engage hands and mind, living things to care for such as pets and plants, etc. One said you need not even spend much to give a memorable gift—“Download and print beautiful photos of nature and outer space from the internet, gather them into an album, and wrap it up with a little dedication. These photos remind us of the grandeur of creation, of its Creator, and our place in it. Awesome!”