Two thousand years ago, gold, frankincense and myrrh were worth (by today's standards), six hundred, five hundred and four thousand dollars per pound, respectively. A similar gift today (frankincense and myrrh have declined in value, gold has increased) would set a 21st century king back six thousand dollars for the gold, but only fifteen dollars apiece for frankincense and myrrh.
Wise gifts

The Magi celebrated the Christ child with the most valuable items in the ancient world. But these gifts were not just of monetary value. They were also gifts of health and long life. Gold, frankincense and myrrh were among the earliest and most prized curative medicines in the ancient world.

Once we understand the gifts of the Magi we can better comprehend what kind of gifts we too should be bringing to our Lord and Savior. We hold in our hearts and in our hands the ability to offer Christ's own healing presence to the world everyday, not just at Christmas. The gifts of goodness, grace and love, as well as frankincense, gold and myrrh represent the gifts the Christ child truly wants from us - our whole selves.