January 8, 1956
Dear Diary,
This morning was bitterly cold—zero degrees! Mini decided she would rather stay under the bed than venture out into the icy air. I can't blame her; I half wanted to do the same! But Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up tightly and made our way to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. My cheeks were red from the wind, and I could see my breath in little clouds as we walked.
Father LeRoy gave a beautiful homily about the three wise men and the gifts they brought to Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Sister Mary Claire explained them to me in more detail on our frosty walk home, her words warm and thoughtful despite the cold.
The gold, she said, was a gift for a king, symbolizing Christ’s royalty. Frankincense, burned as a sweet-smelling offering to God, represented His divinity. And myrrh, used for anointing the dead, foreshadowed His suffering and death. Each gift was deeply meaningful and full of love for Jesus.
Sister Mary Claire also told me how these gifts symbolize the vows that some people make to God. Gold stands for poverty, because by giving up earthly riches, we treasure what truly matters. Frankincense reminds us of obedience, as the smoke rises to heaven like our prayers and service to God. Myrrh represents chastity and sacrifice, showing our willingness to follow Christ even when it’s hard.
She said that we can offer our own “gifts” to Jesus, just like the Magi. Every time we are kind, make a sacrifice, or say a prayer, we are giving Him something precious. I told her I would try to think of a special gift I could give to Jesus today.
By the time we reached home, our fingers and toes were frozen, but our hearts were warm. I found Mini fast asleep, her little paws twitching as if she were dreaming of running through a sunny field. She didn’t even come out for her squeaky ball until much later.
Tonight, as I sit by the fire with Sister Mary Claire and Mini, I am thinking about the Magi kneeling before the Baby Jesus with their gifts. I hope my small offerings can please Him, too.
“O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, may I tread in the paths that the righteous have trod!”
Love,
Kathy
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