Mary received the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The gold and frankincense would be used to finance their travel from Bethlehem to Egypt and give them a start in a world hostile to those with secrets.
The myrrh were something else. This was a burial spice used in embalming. Could this be what Mary was "contemplating" that Christmas morning?
For over thirty years she had this myrrh in her possession, probably hidden away in a box made by her husband. But, a daily reminder to her of the ultimate end for her son.
On the day of Jesus' final Passover celebration on earth, it is not given to us in the bible who else was there with Jesus and His disciples. However, I would find it odd that Mary, His mother and Mary Magdalene would not also be there, present, and preparing the elements for the Passover feast.
I imagine Mary, watching quietly in the background, as Jesus spoke those words..."This is my body, broken for you..." "This is my blood, poured out for you..." "Do this in memory of me..." And in that moment, her mind flashing to the location of that last gift from the magi. Now was coming the time for its use.
A mother's love held onto that gift, knowing its significance, but knowing and contemplating God's will in it. A mother's love would apply the myrrh to her son's body as she lay Him in the tomb. A mother's love held onto the promises of resurrection.
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