On the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Magi brings the baby gifts.  In his homily, our pastor asked us what gifts will we bring the Baby Jesus.  My first thought was an Amazon gift card!  Getting past my materialism, I started to think about it seriously.

Our Lord is brand new as we begin a new year.  Resolutions are no longer a part of my traditions.  Gifts I can do, but what do I give a baby born for my own salvation?

As the Psalm says, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”  I can give my adoration.  This is a good start.  Holding a new baby and simply adoring it is a satisfying and rewarding experience.  Though I can’t hold Our Lord physically, I can certainly imagine the experience.  I’ve held many babies in my time.

In the Gospel Acclamation, “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”  Homage is defined as “special honor or respect shown publicly.”  This I can do before Mass, during Mass and after Mass.  The extra time in prayer will be another gift I can give.

At the end of the Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12), the Magi offer their gifts.  “Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.”  Ah!  The road less travelled!  Another gift I can give this baby is a different approach to my prayer life and my relationship with Him.

The gift giving doesn’t have to stop now that we’re winding down this Christmas Season.  As we all grow in faith, let us continue to give a gift to Our Lord and to each other:  the gift of prayers.

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