The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

I don't even remember the last time I read The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry. Let's just say it had been awhile. However, I do remember it being a very compelling read and so when I came across a copy at our local used bookstore, I snatched it up. I did remember correctly - it is a compelling story.

Taken from the Amazon description (because I'm lazy, yes):

"In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store."

This book is definitely not an easy read aloud for children. Some of the vocabulary words were above my head, although I'm kinda hesitant to admit that! Regardless of some challenging words here and there, the meaning of the story shines through: sacrificial love is the greatest and most treasured, valuable love of all.

You can read this story in a number of locations online if you'd like. This particular version I picked up contains the illustrations of P.J. Lynch who brings Della and Jim to life in an absolutely delightful and magical way. I think Lynch does a remarkable job showing off both their material poverty and yet capturing expressions that truly reflect the love and admiration that these two characters have for one another.

Although O. Henry references the wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child in this book, I personally think the story more accurately represents the following passage in scripture:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:25-33

This story opens with Della wanting to honor her husband who she feels is deserving of honor and respect - not only from herself but from others. She desperately wants to gift him with something that she believes will show his true value in the eyes of the world. In other words, she greatly esteems him.

Jim sells the material item most precious and valuable to him in order to love his wife. He takes pride in who she is and he sacrifices himself, essentially, to make her beautiful and to show how much he loves and cherishes her.

To me this book isn't just about the giving and receiving of gifts, but it properly displays the love a husband and a wife should have for one another. The world doesn't exactly encourage us as individuals to place another ahead of us. We're encouraged to think independently of our life partners and do what's best for us -- make sure we get that "me" time. Jim and Della seem oblivious to this modern message. Instead they are wholly wrapped up in one another - in each other's joys and sorrows. They do not have much but what they do have is a working marital relationship. I think perhaps that is one thing that many in today's society should be righteously jealous for.

I get that this particular edition of The Gift of the Magi is presented as a children's story but I almost think it's more of an appropriate parable for married couples to read and think about.

I'm a selfish person. That's my human nature. To love sacrificially does not come naturally. But it's what I vowed and promised Jonathan I would learn how to do. This book has me re-evaluating my own attitude within my marriage so it's a good and healthy read for me this Christmas season.

I recommend this read, obviously. Not just to teach children that it is 'more blessed to give than to receive' but to remind our adult selves of the same.