A number of years ago, in the editorial section of a newspaper, there appeared an opinion that crass commercialism was creeping into Christmas. Unfortunately, the opinion is fact. Almost two thousands years ago, Christmas (Christ’s Festival) commenced with the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Over the centuries many non-Christian practices have made their way into the observance of Christmas. The giving of presents is a Roman tradition, and the Yule log and Yule tree are remnants of the old Teutonic nature worship. Santa Claus, a contraction for St. Nicholas, (a bishop in the 3rd century) has become the predominant figure in Christmas celebrations. Jesus Christ is being pushed into a corner.

The Wise Men indeed gave gifts, but their gifts held symbolic meaning, unlike ours of today. The frankincense was significant; it was offered to God in the service of the temple; offered to the holy Babe, it confessed his Divin­ity. Gold is offered to a king. The star had announced the approaching birth of the King of the Jews. The Magian recognized Jesus as the promised King.  Myrrh was used in preparing bodies for the grave. It may be that the gift of myrrh prefigured the blessed death which was to close the earthly life of the holy Babe.

There reigns a possibility that in some respect our gift giving may hold symbolic interpretation. I love my wife, therefore I consider it a privilege to bestow a present to her as a token of my love and admiration. My gift now has a symbolic meaning; one of love. This train of thought may be pursued with others for whom we have a fondness and predilection.

Some though, accord gifts to fulfill an egotistical per­sonality. My gift is so much more expensive than the one you are giving; or, my gift is a costly one, therefore, I should receive one of equal or greater value. Greed is the symbolic interpretation here; for one’s own selfish inter­ests.

Then there are those who give, because it’s tradition to do so. Christmas is the season for the presenting and receiving of gifts, so we must support the custom. In this example we    discover the symbolism to be one of need. The need to please others in our circle of friends.

When you give gifts this Christmas, do not give out of need or greed, but out of love and with   simplicity.      In the immortal words of Francis Balfour,  “The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to your­self, respect; to all men, charity”.