The holidays are fast approaching and I would like to invite you to take a minute, take a breath, and take a seat. Let's talk about the meaning behind our gift-giving frenzy.
I was thinking about the original Christmas, as described in the Bible in the second chapter of Matthew (don't worry, I won't preach and I won't pass around the offering plate here). According to that account, the three Wise Men, or Magi, brought to the newly-born Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What is the meaning behind them?
This week, let's look at gold. Obviously, gold has monetary value and may have been used to support Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus when they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's soldiers who were searching to kill the boy.
Beside that, gold has the symbolic meaning of royalty or divinity. In ancient times, gold was a common offering to kings and queens. So, the Magi were honoring the spiritual royalty within the newborn Jesus.
As we use our gold, through currency, to buy gifts for the dear ones in our life, let the thought permeate your purchase that we are honoring the spiritual royalty within each person who receives a gift. Let the habit of seeing others' inner king or queen guide how you treat them in this overly busy time. Honor the king or queen within yourself as well by taking time to breathe, meditate, and rest. You deserve to take that time -- you are royal!
(image courtesy of pixabay.com)