"What was the last gift the wise men gave Jesus?" Miriam asked her mommy.
"It was another special substance, made from tree sap, called myrrh. It was often used to prepare people's bodies for burial, after they died. Myrrh was a symbol of death." Miriam's mom looked to see if her little daughter understood what she was saying.
"Why would they give Jesus something that symbolized death? He was just born!" Miriam wondered aloud.
"That's a good question, Miriam," her mommy said. "It was a sign that Jesus was born with a special purpose. Jesus came to earth so He could live a perfect life and then die on the cross
to pay for the sins of all mankind."
"But, how can we give Jesus myrrh for Christmas, Mommy?" Miriam asked.
"Maybe we can think about something in our life that doesn't please Jesus, and we can commit to let that thing die and be buried this year," said Miriam's mom.
"Do you mean like a bad habit? Or something wrong that I do,
like pick on my little sister?" Miriam said.
"Yes! I think it would make Jesus very happy if things like that would be buried this year. What do you think?"
Miriam just smiled and nodded her head. And she wasn't confused anymore.
She was ready to give Jesus gifts for his birthday. Are you?