Final answer:
Option (c), The reference to the Magi is used to stress the significance of sacrificial love, paralleling the characters' actions of personal sacrifice in gift-giving.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author refers to the Magi in the story to emphasize the significant theme of sacrificial love. The Magi in the Christian tradition are known for traveling a great distance to present valuable gifts to the infant Jesus, symbolizing devotion and reverence. This parallels with the concept of giving personal, sacrificial gifts out of love, which is a central element in the story's narrative.
In relation to the options provided, the best fit is (c) The Magi's purpose was to stress the significance of sacrificial love. The Magi's journey and their offerings were not just significant because of the material value, but because they represented a profound act of giving borne out of respect and adoration, which parallels the characters' experiences in the story of making personal sacrifices to procure meaningful gifts for each other.