Mention the Wise Men who visited Jesus and our immediate thoughts turn to gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, let us remember that the Magi did much more than bring gifts. The Bible says, “They fell down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11).Before the Wise Men offered gifts, they first offered themselves. Instead of sending someone to represent them, they came themselves. The irony of the Christmas season is that we tend to neglect the very people we are trying to remember. We have so little time for the important people in our lives.
Give thought to this in the next few weeks. The gift of yourself, your presence, your undivided attention, is the very best thing you have to offer those you love. You, the one giving, should be the real gift.
In Bethlehem God gave the gift of himself. May we dedicate ourselves to doing the same. This year, may we not just give presents, but presence.
Richard