Christmas gift giving began with a story in today’s gospel. Astrologers from the east followed a star in search of a newborn King of the Jews. When they found the Christ—child they opened their coffers and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Scholars interpret the symbolism of the three gifts.  Gold is a symbol of royalty, incense is associated with prayer and divine worship, and myrrh was used to dress wounds and embalm the dead.  Gold tells us he will be a king, frankincense tells us He is to be divine, and myrrh tells us that He would suffer and die.

Just like the Magi, we are called to come before our Savior.  What do we have to offer him.  What if we have not been very faithful, or prayerful, or patient in suffering?  What can we offer?  Then, my friends, we still have Jesus Christ to offer as our gift to the Father.

Though we might be poor in good works, Christ will enrich this with Himself in the Eucharist.  Though we may be destitute as far as devotion is concerned, Christ will supply what we lack.

We need never be discouraged to approach the Father. He wants our hearts to love Him and our neighbor. He is interested in our prayers and our problems.

The Father does not care from where or how far we may have come.  He wants to send us on our way like the Magi—overjoyed at having found His Son Jesus and strengthened for the rest of our journey through life.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell