The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O. Henry in 1905 about true gift-giving, sacrificial and unconditional giving. It is a lesson for us all brought to us by way of the most poor and obscure teachers. The conclusion to this short story sums up everything this Advent series of reflections have to say on the value of the most pauperized charity valiantly trying to meet the needs of its neighbors. For the final post this Advent, here is O. Henry’s timeless commentary on philanthropy:
The magi, as you know, were wise men–wonderfully wise men–who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.
