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During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, has it ever occurred to you why we give each other Christmas presents. The reason for this goes way back to the baby Jesus.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many people came with gifts to show their love for him. Today, we echo that same sentiment of love that we hold in our hearts when we give gifts to our loved ones. Here is the story of the first Christmas presents...

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The Magi

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, there came Magi from the East to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newly born King of the Jews ? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him."

But when King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and so was all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written through the prophet.

And thou. Bethlehem, of the land of Juda, art by no means least among the princes of Juda; For from thee shall come forth a leader who shall rule my people Israel."

The Herod summoned the Magi secretly, and carefully ascertained from them the time when the star had appeared to them. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said, "Go and make careful inquiry concerning the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and worship him."

Now, they, having heard the king, went their way. And behold, the star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it came and stood over the place where the child was. And when they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly. And entering the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshipped him. And opening their treasures they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another way.

St. Mathew II, 1-12

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