Frankincense and Myrrh: Gifts of the Wise Men

Most of us know what gold is, but frankincense and myrrh are not nearly so well known, at least not to most of modern western society.
Frankincense and myrrh are resins from trees found in the Arabian peninsula. They are commonly powdered and burned, often along with spices such as cinnamon, as incense. Both resins were highly valued, possibly worth as much as or more than gold as they held (and still hold) medicinal, religious and cosmetic value.
Part of the symbolism and importance of the story of the Magi is that even wise, learned men of the time easily misunderstood the nature of the baby Messiah. What would have been appropriate gifts for your average king held little true value for an impoverished infant, except, perhaps for the parents to trade for necessities. It is a reminder that items of material value often hold little spiritual (or practical) worth. On the other hand, the spirit of honouring and gift giving itself is of great value.

This reminds me of all sorts of spin-offs; The Little Drummer Boy, The Gift of the Magi, The Littlest Star, The Littlest Angel, etc. The moral of each of these is that the true value of gift giving lies in the love that goes with it. In these days of rampant consumerism, gift cards, etc., many of us would do well to remember these messages regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs.