Epiphany and presenting our gifts to the Lord

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2: 10-11

This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany and the visit of the magi to the Christ Child. Inspired by the gifts of the magi, Marge Fenelon joined Morning Air® to discuss the gifts we can offer to the Lord throughout the year.

Three kings arriving in Bethlehem

Gold is a symbol of kingship. “He’s my king. What am I going to do this year? What direction will I take to assure that He always is my King in all things?” asks Marge Fenelon. “I have this image of crowning Him … even when something goes wrong, I crown Him anyway because He’s the King. And in some success that I think I did—which, of course, we know we don’t do anything without God’s power—and to offer Him a crown in thanksgiving for that. In our sorrows and happiness, crown Him again and again as King; offer Him that gold again and again throughout the year.”

Frankincense is incense and a symbol of deity, acknowledging that Jesus Christ is God. “Saint Paul said: ‘when I’m weak I’m strong’, and every time I’m feeling weak and unable to get things done or cope with things, I want to make sure I offer that Frankincense to our Lord, again and again throughout the year. He is God, no matter what, and He will definitely pull me through this.”

Myrrh is embalming oil, a symbol of death. “He died for me—how can I die for Him this year, figuratively speaking of course,” says Fenelon. “That dying to self—I hope and pray that will be my myrrh this year that I can truly strive to die to self.”

Consider what gifts you can offer to the Lord as we celebrate Epiphany. How can you honor Him as your King, God, and Savior throughout the entire year?

Lindsey is a wife, mother, and contributing author at Relevant Radio. She holds a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey enjoys writing, baking, and liturgical living with her young family.