Day 2 – The Gifts of the Magi
Theme: Offering Our Best to Christ
Weekday in the Epiphany Season
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Keep yesterday’s candle lit or light another one.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God,
on this day after the Epiphany,
we remember the wise men who opened their treasures
and presented gifts to your Son.
Teach us to offer You the very best of what we have —
our time, our talents, and our hearts.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Matthew 2:10–12 (The Magi Present Their Gifts)
“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.”
Psalm 72:10–11, 15 (The Kings of the Earth Bring Gifts)
“The kings of Tarshish and the islands shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him… May he live long and receive gold from Sheba; may prayer be made for him continually.”
Reflection
Yesterday we rejoiced that the Magi found Jesus. Today we focus on what they did when they found Him: they opened their treasures and gave Him their very best.
- Gold — acknowledges Jesus as King. It is the gift for royalty, the most precious metal of the time.
- Frankincense — aromatic resin burned in worship, acknowledging Jesus as God, worthy of divine adoration.
- Myrrh — used for embalming, a prophetic gift acknowledging that this Child-King would one day die for the salvation of the world.
The Magi did not offer cheap or leftover gifts. They gave what was costly and meaningful. In doing so, they teach us how to respond to Christ: with generous, thoughtful, sacrificial love. Every gift we give to Jesus — whether through prayer, service, or material offering — is an act of worship that proclaims who He is: our King, our God, and our Savior.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- What is the most precious “treasure” I possess — my time, my skills, my resources — and how can I offer it more fully to Jesus?
- Do I sometimes give God only what is convenient or leftover, rather than my best?
- How does the gift of myrrh remind me that following Christ involves embracing the Cross?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Offer Your Own Gifts
Place three symbolic items near your Nativity scene or on your prayer table:
– Something gold-colored (a coin, jewelry) for Jesus the King
– Incense or a scented candle for Jesus the God
– A small cross or myrrh-scented item (if available) for Jesus the Savior
Pray: “Lord, I offer You these gifts as a sign of my love and worship.” - Generous Giving
Make a concrete gift today: donate to a missionary organization, support a parish need, or give something valuable (time or money) without expecting return. - Sing Together
Sing the verse of “We Three Kings” that corresponds to each gift:
“Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again…”
“Frankincense to offer have I…”
“Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume…” - Act of Charity
Inspired by the Magi’s generosity, perform an intentional act of giving: share a meal, forgive a debt (literal or emotional), or surprise someone with an unexpected kindness. - Closing Prayer – Prayer of Offering
Lord Jesus,
like the Magi who opened their treasures before You,
I open my heart today.
I offer You my gold — the best of my work and achievements.
I offer You my frankincense — my prayer and adoration.
I offer You my myrrh — my sufferings united to Your Cross.
Accept these humble gifts, O King and God and Sacrifice.
Make my life a continual Epiphany of Your love to the world.
Mary, Queen of the Magi, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May Christ accept your gifts with joy today.
Day 3 👉: The Light to the Nations.