THE MAGI

NO SINGLE TRADITION IS MORE WIDELY OBSERVED DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON THAN THE GIVING OF GIFTS.

THIS TRADITION IS FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT OF THE MAGI WHO SAW A STAR IN THE EAST AND CAME TO WORSHIP JESUS.

" On coming to the house, they saw the child and his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, francincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2: 11

IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT, CONTRARY TO POPULAR TRADITION, THE MAGI WERE NOT NECESSARILY THREE KINGS.

THEY MAY HAVE BEEN ASTROLOGERS OR WISE MEN. THEY WERE LED BY GOD BY MEANS OF THE STAR. BUT THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM DID NOT PROPHESY THE BIRTH OF CHRIST; IT PRONOUNCED THE BIRTH OF CHRIST!

THERE IS ALSO NO BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR THE NAMING OF THE MAGI. TRADITION SOMETIME IN THE 6TH CENTURY NAMED THEM, BUT THAT HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO FOLKLORE RATHER THAN TO HISTORICAL OR BIBICAL FACT.

ONE DANGER OF THE GIVING OF GIFTS, IS THAT IT HAS THE POWERFUL POTENTIAL FOR PROMOTING CRASS MATERIALISM.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GIVING OF GIFTS REINFORCES THE REALITY THAT, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, MAY WE BE EVER MORE MINDFUL THAT THE GREATEST GIFT WE CAN EVER GIVE TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IS THE GIFT OF THE CHRIST CHILD.

WHEN HE ENTERS THE HUMAN HEART, EVER LASTING LIFE BECOMES A "PRESENT" REALITY.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.