The answer is: Silver

Matt 2:11

When the wise men—often referred to as magi—traveled from far when Jesus was born, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Think about it: gold is associated with kingship and divinity, making it a fitting gift for a newborn king. Frankincense, often used in temple worship, symbolizes Jesus's divine nature, while myrrh, used for anointing and burial, foreshadows his sacrificial role.

But let’s take a moment to appreciate the absence of silver among these gifts. Silver, while valuable, was not part of the symbolic trifecta. Instead, the choice of gifts carries deep meanings and reflects the understanding of Jesus's role and the adoration these visitors had for him.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: The journey of the magi, historically shrouded in mystery, also hints at a big picture that goes beyond Jewish tradition. They hailed from the East—possibly Persia or Babylon, showcasing that Jesus’s significance extended across cultural boundaries even at birth. His arrival called, in a sense, all nations to him before he delivered his teachings.

Adding another layer, did you know that some traditions identify these wise men as kings from afar? They metaphorically parallel the Old Testament’s stories of foreign rulers recognizing God's sovereignty, reminiscent of how non-Israelites were drawn to God, like the Queen of Sheba. This narrative echoes God's inclusivity in humanity's story, offering a peek into the universal nature of his message right from the cradle!