Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
by Ann Stewart
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11)
A few years ago I heard about giving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Three Christmas presents apiece. Ahhhh, this would simplify shopping. That sounded like a good idea to me, but would our preschool and second grade daughters agree? Thankfully, they were willing to try the new idea.
On Christmas Day, Christine and Julia received gold, frankincense, and myrrh—or actually, something representing what they stood for. We gave a gold gift they treasured, a frankincense gift to encourage their faith, (like an incense offering to the Lord) and a myrrh gift of fragrant skin products for their bath. (Remember how Jesus’ body was anointed with myrrh). That Christmas season was a blessing. With ...[read more]
|
|
Bountiful Array...
Dear Friends,
Fall officially arrived with frost as we camped last weekend in the Shenandoah Valley. Today the wind whips over the Blue Ridge Mountains, whisking brilliant displays of fall foliage from the trees. My friend Jen described her sheer amazement as the bountiful array was suddenly hit by gusts. “It was like a sky filled with confetti, as thick waves of leaves cascaded down to the ground.”
I hope you also experience and appreciate November’s bounty of beauty, and give thanks for blessings cascading down around you like confetti. For as James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
And as you look toward December and giving that “perfect gift,” consider Gold Frankincense and Myrrh…
|
|
Worth Reading
Ann Recommends:
There's still time to receive "Preparing My Heart for Advent" from Amazon or Christianbook. This indepth study also features daily devotionals throughout December to January 6th.
Click Here to Order Your Copy:
Christianbook.com
Amazon.com
Ann Stewart’s third book, Preparing My Heart for Motherhood will be released January 2009. |
Don’t miss:
Fireproof, the movie – now in theatres. And for a movie follow-up, look at The Love Dare, a 40-day plan to strengthen your marriage. |
If you’re looking for a great book to read as a family throughout the Advent season, don’t miss
Ytreeide’s Jotham’s Journey.
This exciting, action-packed read aloud places Jotham near Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth and on an adventure your family will love. Once you read Jotham’s Journey, you won’t want to miss two others in the trilogy: Tabitha’s Travels and Bartholomew’s Passage. |
Ann recently was invited to speak in Colorado Springs, CO in October.
Ann kicked off First United Methodist's study of "Preparing My Heart for Advent" by speaking on "4given -- four women given a gift by God." These forgiven women teach all of us something of God's grace and forgiveness and lead us into the Christmas season and the gift of Jesus Christ.
Ann concluded the talk by singing "That's How Much I Love You," and sharing how this is the season to give a gift to Jesus. As the women contemplated the gift they would give to Him, Ann sang "Come to the Manger" "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and "Come thou Long Expected Jesus." |
Pictured Above: Ann with her new friend Holly in the Garden of the Gods National Park.
Pictured Above: Ann with event organizer Angela McKibben with the incredible Rocky Mountains in the background! |
Contact Ann to share feedback or
check her availability for her speaking at your group's event. |
|
