They were trained in philosophy, medicine, and above all in astronomy. In the ancient time, gold was considered as a precious metal reserved only for the royalty. Gold is offered to infant Jesus as the king. Incense has always been a favorite part of religious ritual not only for its air-sweetening power but also because the rising plumes of smoke seems to be visible prayers bridging heaven and earth. The gift of frankincense adverts to Christ's priestly role.
Myrrh is used to heal and embalm death body.
The gift of myrrh implies the human nature of the infant Jesus and also announces his future death. The visitation of the Persian Magi is regarded as the revelation of God to the world. God invites all, both Jews and Gentiles, to share equally the salvation brought by Christ. The infant Christ was born in the manger and revealed himself to the three Magi and to the uneducated shepherds. After the encounter with God, the three Magi returned home via another route.