Gift-giving is synonymous with Christmas. To many Christians, the gifts we give our family members and friends are symbolic of the tributes presented by the Magi (three Wise Men) to Jesus in celebration of His birth. There are various explanations of the gifts – the gold, the frankincense, and the myrrh – but my favorite is a simple illustration of why these unique gifts were bestowed upon the Christ child.

Gold was often reserved for royalty. As the Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem, they realized His birth was unlike any other. They even told Herod they had come to worship the King of the Jews. They did not doubt the position of Jesus as the King of Kings. Accordingly, they gave Him a gift fit for a king – gold. 

Frankincense had one purpose for the Jews. It was the substance burned on the altar in the temple, giving off a sweet aroma in its white smoke which represented the prayers of the people, rising to God in heaven. Reserved for the worship of God, the Magi chose frankincense as an acknowledgment that Jesus indeed was God. 

Myrrh was a perfume used for specific occasions; the most notable was to soak burial cloths before wrapping dead bodies. In other words, an external embalming. Might the purpose of this unusual gift for a baby be summed up in five words? Jesus was born to die. 

Perhaps their ability to find the perfect gifts is why they were called “wise.” It is not always easy, selecting just the right gift for each one on our list. For our care recipients – some of whom may be bed-ridden or have limited cognitive function – choosing a meaningful gift may seem pointless. Yet, there is something in your heart that says, “Give.” I encourage you to follow your heart. Following are some types of gifts that are not necessarily wrappable, but may be just the thing to bring joy to your loved one on Christmas morning.

• Sentimental. Remember Doris Day singing, “Gonna take a sentimental journey, Gonna set my heart at ease. Gonna make a sentimental journey, To renew old memories”? Compile photos, letters, music and other memorabilia that will tug at your loved one’s heart strings and bring back sweet memories. Enjoy leisurely reminiscing with them. 

• Experiential. This category is wide open! Make it possible for your recipient to do something special, fun, imaginative, dream-fulfilling. Ask, “What’s something you have always wanted to do?” Obviously, not every request can be fulfilled, but try to discover at least one item that fell out of the bucket list. Then make the arrangements or take part in the adventure. Have fun!

• Consumable. I know of few care recipients who need more knickknacks (family photos are an exception). Most, however, will appreciate comfy clothes, luxurious toiletries, and delicious specialty foods. 

• Emotional. The needs in this area may be great or small. You probably already know what they are: empathy, understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation, companionship. Give. Give. Give some more. Sometimes these are two-way gifts and may involve others – especially the gift of forgiveness. Your part to play may be that of advocate or reuniter. Wrap all of these in lots of love.

Of course, the best gift ever given was the one that inspired all the other Christmas gifts throughout history: “For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

That is actually two gifts in one – Jesus and eternity in Heaven! What an extravagant gift! I am so thankful I have received this gift and hope that you have as well. If you haven’t, you need only to open your heart to Jesus today. It will be the best Christmas gift ever received.