When I retired from public education, it was a bittersweet occasion. Over time, I ‘d grown to love many of my students, and to appreciate and admire many colleagues. Students and staff, alike, had taught me a great deal about teaching and learning. At the school district retirement assembly, each retiring teacher each received a glass bell. Mine went dutifully into the cedar chest, or so I thought, for safekeeping.
A year or so later, I couldn’t find the bell. It wasn’t especially attractive, more of a token of what I’d dedicated a decade of my life to. Nevertheless, neither the bell, or its box, could be found in the cedar chest, or anywhere else in the house. Its loss left an unexpected hole in my chest.
Not long afterwards, I came home one day to find this delicate bell sitting on the dining table. I loved it! It’s crystal tone was lovely, and the etching delicate, with a shimmer of my favorite shade of blue. It was perfect, but not because of its sound or appearance.
When our son, James got home later, I asked him about it. He casually tossed over his shoulder that since the school district bell had gone missing, he thought I’d like a new one. No big deal, at least not to him, but it was to me.
Now it sits among other treasured things on a shelf in my study. It reminds me that small gifts, given with devotion, can be powerful.
They went into the house and saw the child, with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure-chests and gave him presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Have you ever gotten caught up in 3M (three Magi) holiday shopping, thinking you have to purchase and give extravagant gifts to those you love? It’s easy for gifts to become more important than recipients. (Tom learned years ago that usually my favorite gifts come in small, velvet boxes, but one of my most favorite gifts is a small, inexpensive bowl and pitcher set he got for me at Walmart many years ago.)
Surely the hearts of the Magi were earnest in their giving, and several accounts indicate they were wealthy. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh may not have stretched their wallets like they would ours.
The Magi traveled a long distance to see a King, and wanted to bring appropriate gifts to Him. Judging by Matthew’s account, the stable where Jesus was born did not diminish their adoration, nor make them withold the expensive gifts.
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
Similar to the Magi, I think Jesus comes to us, offering gifts only He can give, and never put off by whatever state He may find us in. Love, acceptance, and devotion, gifts Jesus extravagantly purchased with His life for us.
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