Epiphany Gifts

Treading ground that many others have covered before me. There has been much mockery about the impracticality of the gifts and suggestions that wise women would have chosen better, but behind the mockery there is a deeper question. The gifts are clearly seen as symbolic by Matthew and whilst the simple king, priest, sacrifice triad of "we three kings" etc is obviously way too simple it is by no means certain what was intended. Or indeed whether these were suitable gifts at all or whether the magi had not only misjudged the birthplace of the new king but also the nature of his kingship.

Gold.

Suitable for a King.

But probably one like Herod

Or an Emperor like Augustine

Not the King born in Bethlehem

And crowned in Jerusalem

With thorns.

Frankincense.

Aromatic Arabian resin

Might sweeten the smell of a stable

Or enhance the smell of a sacrifice

Offered up by the priesthood

To ameliorate the bloodlust

Of their god.

Myrrh.

Another Arabian resin;

A scent associated with temple worship

Not a stable or a carpenter’s workshop,

Used to anoint kings, anaesthetise pain,

And cover up the stench of death.

Very appropriate.

Today.

What would resonate?

Something technological or pharmaceutical?

Something representing power or piety?

A gun or a Bible, or even better, both?

Would our gifts mark us out

As wise?

Selah