Celebrating Christmas—The Gift of Gold

The symbolism in the Wise Men’s gift of gold is obvious. 

Since the beginning of time, gold has been the most sought after of precious metals. 

It is the metal of kings and is also a symbol of the celestial kingdom 

with silver being a symbol of the terrestrial kingdom

and brass of the telestial kingdom. 

Therefore, it was only natural that the Wise Men bring to the King of Kings a gift of gold.

But there are other things about gold that make this gift especially fitting for our Savior. 

The chemical symbol for gold is Au derived from the Latin word aurum 

which is related to words that refer to dawn in several languages

(such as the Latin word aurora). 

Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. 

In addition, gold maintains its color without oxidizing in air or water 

which means it is non corrodible. 

Chemically gold is known as a transition metal and of all the metals, 

pure gold is the least reactive and is able to resist most acids. 

Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity 

and has also provided the basis for monetary standards

for many countries throughout history.

How fitting, then, that the Savior of the world the “dawn” of salvation for mankind,

the One who would perform the Atonement 

which would make possible our “transition” from the carnal, sensual and devilish life 

to the spiritual and righteous life, 

the only One to ever live a life “non corroded” by sin,

the “conductor” of the Light of Life,

the One who set the “standard” of righteousness, 

would be given gold as a gift at His birth.