The answer is: Silver

Matt 2:11

When you gather around this nativity story, with the shepherds, angels, and, of course, the wise men or Magi, it's essential to remember the intricacies wrapped within those gifts. In Mathew 2:11, there’s a delightful lineup—a blend of fragrances and values—with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts aren’t just random baubles; they're rich in symbolism. Gold represents Jesus' royal status—gifting gold to a king, very fitting indeed! Frankincense was traditionally used in worship and signifies His divinity, while myrrh, often associated with suffering and embalming, foreshadows the difficult path ahead for this child.

Interestingly, whereas silver might imply wealth or power, it’s absent from this royal welcome. And that’s curious because silver makes appearances elsewhere in folklore-worlds; it could evoke thoughts of money or betrayal—think of Judas returning thirty pieces of silver.

Moreover, these Magi were likely not just a trio. While they’re frequently referred to as “three wise men," the Bible doesn’t actually specify a number. Christian tradition may have adopted the trio based on the three gifts, but who knows? There could have been a caravan of them! The story also connects back to passages in Isaiah, where nations bring gifts to the anointed one, highlighting a higher calling than traditional kingship.

It's extraordinary how a simple moment in history unfolds layers of insight about putting value on what truly matters.