The Gifts of the Magi refer to the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men who presented the Infant Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; it is also the title of the popular short story by O’ Henry, the noted American writer, which deals with the predicament of a young couple who don’t have enough money to but each other presents during Christmas. The pride of their possessions are a pocket watch handed down to the husband from his grandfather and father; and the beautiful tresses of his wife’s hair. The wife sells her hair to a wigmaker to buy a gold chain for her husband’s pocket watch only to discover that her husband has sold the watch to buy a beautiful set of combs for his wife’s hair.
This story illustrates the essence of gift giving; especially during Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Our Saviour Jesus Christ. For we confuse the value of any gift with the monetary value of the gift. What we should consider is the value of the gift to the giver. A Millionaire can buy thousands of rupees worth of gifts without a second thought; but a poor man who gives a gift worth a few rupees gives much more. Because, while the rich man is giving a little from the plenty he owns, the poor man is giving plenty from the little he owns.
The Autorickshaw Drivers of Dimapur have once again put to shame the high and mighty of Nagaland. Their, apparently, simple act of offering free ride to the citizens of Dimapur in Honour of the Birth of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has done more to show us the true essence of Christianity than a thousand preachers shouting from a thousand pulpits. They have shown us that Christ, Christianity and Christmas are about what I can give and not what I can get or take. While others complain about the delay of their supply of rice; they have given us plenty from the little they have. They are the Magi; they are the Wise Men of the Bible.
GOD BLESS THE AUTORICKSHAW DRIVERS OF DIMAPUR, AND GOD SAVE OUR NAGALAND
Kahuto Chishi Sumi G.B. Hevishe Village, Dimapur Kahuto107@gmail.com
