Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category
Origins of Holiday Gift-giving
These days, it’s commonplace to give and receive gifts during many of the major holidays. Birthdays wouldn’t be the same without a few thoughtful presents, and Valentine’s Day would be dull and a bit less romantic if it didn’t involve flowers and chocolates. But Christmas is the granddaddy of all gift-giving holidays. But how did that particular tradition begin?
It all started with the gift of the magi – the three wise men who came to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As we now know, they brought presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh – a fragrant resin that was in high demand during biblical times. Ever since the very first Christmas, the holiday has been associated with the joyous practice of giving and receiving gifts.
A Tradition in Common
Christians and Jews have been coexisting for thousands of years. Although the two religions have had their differences over the ages, both are based on the same set of moral laws. What Christians call the first five books of the Old Testament are fundamentally the same as the Jewish Torah. Jews and Christians harbor many of the same ideas about charity and kindness toward the less fortunate, and both groups ostensibly attempt to live in a way that pleases God.
Even though Jews and Christians celebrate different religious holidays, many of them still appreciate the sentiment behind a thoughtful gift. Certain gifts even transcend the boundaries of each religion. For instance, a hand-carved figurine of Moses carrying the stone tablets could be enjoyed by anyone with Judeo-Christian leanings. Jewish gifts can be Christian gifts in some cases, and vice versa.
Gifts of the Magi
The Three Wise Men (also referred to as the Three Kings and as the Magi) has always been a part of a nativity scene included in the celebrations of Christmas. The three Wise Men, three Kings or Kings from the East are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts.
The three gifts of the magi are explicitly identified in the book of Matthew: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. That they are all ordinary gifts for a king – myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.
Finding the Perfect Christian Gift
A lot of people with strong Christian beliefs find themselves disappointed with the selection of gifts available. After all, many of the bestselling books are romance novels, full of elicit scenes and explicit language. Video games are often gory and graphic. Even the ones rated as appropriate for all ages can be surprisingly disturbing. But there are options for people who want to avoid the loose values that are often flaunted in DVDs and other forms of media.
Whether you’re looking for yourself or a Christian friend, Christian gifts are a great option, and they are growing increasingly common in both physical stores and online retailers. One great gift option is a personalized Bible. Have the person’s name inscribed in a leather-bound Bible, or have it added to a hardbound edition. Either way, it will make a loving and lasting gift. And if your friend wants to pass that Bible down through the family line, every recipient can add their name to the book as well. In this way, it’s not just a gift but a family heirloom in the making.