Christmas Magi Forever Stamps

78¢ Christmas Magi
Denomination: Forever® (First-Class Mail Rate)
Issue Date: November 19, 2014
City: Washington, D.C.
Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products

Only one of the four Gospels tells the story of the Magi — wise men from the East who followed a rising star to visit the infant Jesus in Bethlehem — yet it has become one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. The Gospel of Matthew describes their journey to honor the prophesied child with three precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Each gift carried both material and spiritual significance. Gold, a symbol of kingship and wealth, honored Jesus’ divine authority on Earth. Frankincense, a rare and valuable perfume also used for healing, represented holiness and worship. Myrrh, an anointing oil and embalming agent, foreshadowed Jesus’ suffering and death.

This legendary act of generosity helped inspire the tradition of holiday gift-giving celebrated in Western Christianity today, a custom embraced by millions each December.

Designed by Nancy Stahl, who also created the 2012 Holy Family stamp, U.S. #4945 continues the Postal Service’s cherished Christmas tradition — one that began in 1962 with its first Christmas stamp and expanded in 1966 to include both traditional and contemporary holiday designs that remain beloved to this day.