#Christmas – Page 2 – I and Thou Reflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Frankincense, The Gift of Worship

Prepare Ye The Way

As we continue to unwrap the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus, we travel into the deep woods of significant treasure. In our last post, we explored the first gift of gold, a gift fit for a king!

The Gift of Frankincense

Today, we turn our noses to frankincense—a fragrant resin from trees that typically grow in dry mountain regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal gift of life.

Let’s see how frankincense, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Frankincense?

Frankincense is known for its sacred tradition and profound meaning.

It’s woody.
It can be inhaled.
It can be absorbed by the skin.
It can be taken as a supplement.

This precious gift perfectly symbolizes Jesus’ spiritual nature.

Throughout history, frankincense has been central to religious ceremonies. Think about incense in the church. It carries a sacred aroma that lingers in the air, transcending our spirits to another world.

It is quite an experience. Don’t you think?

Frankincense: The Gift for a King

This gift calls us to reflect on Jesus’ divine nature and His role as a great High Priest. It reminds us of the bridge between heaven and earth. And how our prayers, like incense, rise to God.

Every day we are reminded of God’s omnipresence. Let’s take a deep breath and say “Yah” as we inhale and “Weh” as we exhale. Feel it? THAT is the presence of God.

The sacred syllables of “Yahweh” remind us that every breath is a gift from God, connecting us to His presence.

As we prepare for Christmas, let the gift of frankincense invite us into worship. Just like the hymn, We Three Kings...

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all humans raising,
Worship Him,
God on high.

May we follow the wise men to Jesus. There, at the manger, we can worship the King of Kings.

In the next post, we unwrap the third and final treasure of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Baby Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Gold #Frankincense #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Prepare Ye The Way

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will talk about the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus.

In our last post, we provided a brief overview of the biblical text to provide a framework.

The Gift of Gold

Today, we start with gold—a gift symbolizing royalty and acknowledging Jesus as the King of all creation.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal reign of Christ.

Let’s see how gold, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Gold?

Gold is known for its endurance.

*Image created by AI using biblical text*

It’s stability.
It’s power to stand the test of time.
It is the perfect precious metal to symbolize the kingship of Jesus.

Looking back on history, we see how gold is represented in royalty and divinity. Take the ephod, a priestly garment, for example. You can google it for more detailed information. It is fascinating to see gold’s role in royalty and the sacred.

Gold: The Gift for a King

Gold has always been a symbol of royalty and wealth. By presenting gold, the Magi acknowledged Jesus’ kingship. He was not just the King of the Jews but the King of all creation. This gift aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”
Isaiah 9:6-7

As we reflect on this gift, we are reminded how Jesus brings us love, peace, and hope. If we open our hearts to God, we can embrace the Baby Jesus and honor Him as King of Kings.

King of Kings

For those who truly wish to prepare their hearts for Christmas, take a moment from your busy day today and listen to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. As you prepare ye the way to the Lord this Christmas season, I hope the triumphant melody will remind you of the gold the wise men brought to Baby Jesus. The same baby who grows up to become the King of Kings who reigns forever and ever.

In our next post, we will unwrap the second gift of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: The Wise Men

Prepare Ye The Way

Let’s continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Shall we?

Our journey will take us to Christmas, where we will find hope and redemption to renew our faith, whatever that faith may be.

In the previous post, we explored how Christmas found its place on December 25 and how it was rooted in the ancient festival of Saturnalia.

The next three blog posts will focus on the significance of the wise men’s gifts to Baby Jesus. Today, we start with what Matthew had to say.

Ever wonder where the Magi brought their gifts?

*The Three Magi Magi Mags royalty-free vector graphic by pixabay dot com*

Let’s see what the Bible has to say in Matthew 2.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:9-12

Does it Really Matter?

So, we understand the story. King Herod sent the wise men to find the Baby. But the text doesn’t reveal how the wise men came to possess the gifts.

Did King Herod give them to the wise men?

Or did the wise men buy them along the way?

Or, perhaps they had these gifts along, waiting for the right time to give them away.

No, it doesn’t matter at all. The Wise Men presented Jesus’ holiness and signified that Jesus came to Earth to save our souls. And that is what matters most.

Divine Mystery

There is no doubt these gifts had divine mystery. There were profoundly more than mere symbols of wealth. These gifts speak to Jesus’ life and the hope He offers. Their meaning unlocks the keys to everlasting life.

In the next post, we’ll unwrap these treasures and uncover their significance. We will start with gold – A gift fit for a King!

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

A Christmas Miracle – Part 7

Image Source: clipart-library.com
Found on Pineterest

There are several slightly different accounts of the nativity story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Jesus’ birth is not included in the Gospels of Mark and John. Each of those books begins with Jesus as an adult.

The Miracle of the Angel

In Matthew, the first Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.

The angel Gabriel visits Mary first to announce her favor and pregnancy in Luke. Then, this same Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.

When Jesus was born, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field nearby.

At first, they were startled by the bright light.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
An Angel

The Angel delivered the message of Jesus’s birth.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
An Angel (Luke 2:11-12)

Then, in Luke 2:13-14,

*Image Source: Unknown* https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507358714281820304/

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the Angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Angel announced Jesus’ birth.

The birth of Christ the King!

Today, let’s celebrate the Miracle of Christ on Christmas!

Wishing you all awe and wonder of the holiday season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
& HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

#Christmas #Miracles #Angel #Jesus #Messiah

A Christmas Miracle – Part 6

A What?

The other day, I had a conversation with a long-time friend. She told me she had been looking to purchase a manger for her Christmas Nativity Set. The salespeople she asked didn’t know what a manger was, let alone how it fit into Christmas!

As I write this post, even Grammarly doesn’t recognize the word manger! How sad is that?

*Image Source: http://www.tillsonburgalliance.com*

A Manger

A manger is a place to feed animals. Quite an unlikely place for Jesus to be born. Or was it?

A manger.
It is not pretty.
Under the shelter of a roof, a piece of wood lies in a barn or stable.
It may or may not have raised legs and is filled with hay or slop.
In the wintertime, back in the day, it was common for people to bunk in with their animals to stay safe and warm, like a giant slumber party with your furry friends.

manger

ˈmān-jər

NOUN
a trough (see trough sense 1a) or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock.
Merriam Webster Dictionary

A Baby in a Manger

Can you imagine a baby in a manger?

It would be utterly appalling to some to see a newborn in an unsterilized, dirty, filthy trough used to feed animals. Yet, some might see this scene as a sign of great awe and wonder.

Think about this.

The God of the Universe chose a stable filled with animal creatures to welcome his Son. This was the ultimate sacrifice and message of love and humility. God sent his Son for…

Every. Single. Person. On. This. Planet. Rich. Or. Poor.

Scripture isn’t clear whether animals were or were not present at the birth of Christ. Let’s imagine for a moment that they were. What would it have been like for the animals witnessing the birth of Jesus? Sure, they had seen cows, horses, and pigs give birth, but a human? How divine! Just like God saved the animals from dying in the Great Flood, God blessed the animals as witnesses of this most sacred event.

The Miracle of the Manger

The true meaning of Christmas may have evaporated from some of the fabric of our society. Yet, some of us know, this “living water,” was a miracle.

The most perfect baby in the world was born in a lowly manger. Jesus, born in a manger. The same Jesus who fed 5,000. The same Jesus who feeds our soul. This Jesus, was born in a manger made with the purpose of feeding animals, can feed you, too!

His name was, is, and will be forever, Jesus.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Author (attributed to): Martin Luther; Author (st. 1-2): Anonymous (1885); Author (v. 3, attr.): John T. McFarland (1892)

A Christmas Miracle – Part 5

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind about the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy. It’s something experienced by all who are in close contact with a woman “with child.” From the crazy food cravings to the emotional outbursts, there is never a dull moment.

Mary & Son, Jesus
Elizabeth & Son, John (The Baptist)

Mary and Elizabeth were first-time mothers-to-be and surely had emotions stirring inside of them. Both were destined to give birth. Both had partners at their side.

At her advanced age, Elizabeth probably laughed, yet felt blessed to be able to conceive and finally bear a child. She looked forward to blending in with the other women in the neighborhood. She would no longer be stared at for being childless. Awe. Astonished. Honored. Blessed. Privileged. Matronly. Relief.

Mary did not laugh, yet most likely felt blessed and privileged to be chosen by God to deliver the baby Jesus. Even being the Holy Mother, she undoubtedly felt the scorn of some in society as an unwed pregnant girl. What shame she must have felt and her family, too. Throw that all in with a mix of hormones running wild, and one can sense the good with the bad. Awe. Astonishment. Honored. Blessed. Anointed. Miraculous. Unbelief. Lowly. Scared. Disappointed. Bewildered. Humbled. Sacred.

Unique Story

Like Elizabeth, I was older when I gave birth to my younger son. It was redemptive to me, a moment filled with joy. It might have been something like the anticipation that Elizabeth felt. My pregnancy was uncomplicated! It contrasted with my first one, which might have echoed Mary’s apprehension and curiosity. Like Mary’s experience, my husband wasn’t initially thrilled about my first pregnancy, leading to emotional turmoil. My dream of motherhood clashed with the challenges of medical complications, which labeled my pregnancy as high-risk. While overjoyed, I felt conflicted, as perhaps Mary did. I wondered if I had done something terribly wrong.

When reflecting on my pregnancy, it’s not hard for me to imagine that Elizabeth and Mary faced their diverse emotions just as I did. I’m pretty sure the feelings darted all around. The joyous anticipation, the unforeseen challenges, and the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside.

I experienced all kinds of emotions all at the same time. For me, there was no other life experience that came close. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, having a massage day at the spa while enjoying your favorite ice cream cone while crying – all rolled up into one.

The Miracle of Emotions

Just as God chose Elizabeth and Mary to play pivotal roles in the Nativity Story, God may have chosen a man named Mark to play a significant role in my first pregnancy. Mark was the counselor at the clinic. He was kind and empathetic. He guided my then-husband and me through our whirlwind of emotions and encouraged us to stay strong.

*Artist Credit: Michael Byers*
https://mbillustration.wordpress.com/

The Closeness to God

Toward the end of pregnancy, the anticipation. The unknown. The praying. The closeness to God.

Praying for the baby.

Praying for the baby’s health.

Praying for stability.

Praying for a loving husband to be supportive.

Praying for the miracle of birth.

I felt that God was with me every step of the way. And I’m guessing Elizabeth and Mary felt that way too. Our pregnancies and the birth process were nothing short of a miracle. Like Elizabeth and Mary, I had a son. Then, six and a half years later, I gave birth to a second son. The experience of feeling different emotions at the same time was a miracle.

Have you considered asking God about the emotions you feel?

The next blog will explore The Miracle of Jesus’ birth.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #NavityStory #Emotions #Pregnancy

A Christmas Miracle – Part 3

In the last post, we talked about Elizabeth’s backstory. How Elizabeth and Mary were cousins pregnant at the same time.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Mary

The story begins with Mary, a young girl, and her fiancé, Joseph.

Mary and Joseph were engaged.

Mary was a virgin, until the Holy Spirit visited and impregnated her, causing confusion for the pair. Not to mention family and friends as well. Theoretically, Mary was still a virgin.

**Artist:* Stephen B. Whatley: *Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus – St Stephen’s Day 2012* www.stephenbwhatley.com

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Angel Gabriel

Of course, Joseph was quite angry that his betrothed was “with child.” And he knew it wasn’t his!

Anger led to the Angel.

In a dream, an Angel visited Joseph and told him to care for Mary.

“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Angel Gabriel

And so it was. Joseph and Mary were a couple, and they were destined to become parents. Parents of the long-awaited Messiah.

Pillars of Faith

Elizabeth and Mary were pillars of faith and obedience to God. And so were their respective partners, Zechariah and Joseph. Although Elizabeth was well beyond her childbearing years, it was miraculous for her to conceive. It was her pregnancy that served as a precursor to Mary’s virgin birth. Mary’s conception was even more miraculous because it symbolized the divine nature of the birth of the Christ-child that transcended all logical and biological thoughts and constructs.

Transcending All Logic

Faith transcends logic. To the logical mind, we must see proof before something can be believed. Yet, as people of faith, we don’t have to see evidence. We believe because we “feel” the Spirit of God within us. After all, we were made in the image of God. It sure is awesome to “feel” God’s presence. Yet, many of us feel dry. Unheard. Empty. We ask, “Where are you, God.” And the answer is silence.

Is it possible to have faith when you don’t “feel” God’s presence. Faith is a choice. Choosing to believe regardless of your feelings will reap rewards whether you “feel” them or not.

We Are The Clay

There hasn’t been a time in my life when God was absent. Of course, there were times when I thought he abandoned me. Like when I was bullied in junior high school. Or during my first marriage. Or during the divorce. But, I realized that God was walking me through the darkness. So I could come out the other side. Like a piece of fine pottery after being in the kiln’s heat.

Sometimes, we must surrender logic to fully feel the Holy Spirit in us. If you feel lost, perhaps try to talk to God? Ask God to reveal his image to you. To feel his presence. To walk with you on your life journey. God is the peace that passeth all understanding.

A Christmas Miracle – Part 4, will discuss the Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Logic #Faith #Miracles

*Used by permission

A Christmas Miracle – Part 2

There is no doubt that Christmas time is a time of wonder and awe.

And what possibly could be more miraculous and wondrous than the Miracle of Birth? Today’s post begins with two special ladies from the New Testament who give birth to two extraordinary baby boys.

Elizabeth and Mary. Both mothers conceive according to God’s divine plan. We will explore each one separately.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Elizabeth

Let me set the stage.

Artist Credit: Of Knowledge Painting by Kd Neeley

Mary and Elizabeth are cousins and are pregnant at the same time. Elizabeth is an older, more mature woman married to Zechariah, a priest. Elizabeth was barren, and she and her husband longed for a child, yet they knew time was running out.

Why were children so important in Biblical Times?

At that time, children were a sign of God’s favor. Since Zechariah was a priest, it is easy to imagine people talking behind their backs about them being childless. How could a priest not have children? They must have been the talk of the town. Until…

Gabriel.

The Angel who pays a visit to Zechariah.

Elizabeth & Son, John the Baptist

Gabriel not only tells Zechariah that Elizabeth will bear a child, but his name will be John, and that the baby would grow to be a man who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Just like Sarah laughed in disbelief when God told her she would have a baby in her old age, Zechariah doubted this message from God. Because Zechariah doubted, he could not talk until the baby was born. God silenced him.

Little did Zechariah know at the time that John would be the voice calling in the wilderness.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 3:2

The Voice of God

Have you ever heard a voice calling in the wilderness? Or God speak to you directly? Or witness a profound moment in which it felt God intervened on your behalf?

Once, I was in my car heading west on Route 1 from Hoboken to Maplewood, NJ. There was traffic, and a car stopped abruptly in front of me. There was no time to react. Yet, I felt an unnatural force stop my car from hitting the car in front of me. I remember thanking my guardian angel to this day.

Similarly, once, I was traveling from Hoboken to Stamford, CT. It was in a blizzard. As I was rounding a corner in Tarrytown, several cars spun out and collided. My car spun out, too. But my car landed in a small ditch. Sure, I was rattled. But I was safe. My car was safe. And I was able to drive the rest of the way home. Once again, my guardian angel was watching over me.

God and his army of angels tend to show up when you least expect them. I’d love to hear about your experiences with God.

In the next post, we will continue this theme of The Miracle of Birth. We will further explore the mothers who gave birth to two religious leaders who changed the world.

#Christmas #Birth #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Emotions #Miracles

A Christmas Miracle – Part 1

Introduction

To faith-based people, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of their savior, Jesus.

Most of us are familiar with the significant elements of the Christmas Story, or as some might say, the Nativity Story. Like baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the manger. Then came the shepherds and the wise men.

The Bible definitely doesn’t wrap stories up with neat bows. They are often confusing and void of details. Yet, the Bible has withstood through the ages as the most significant piece of literature of all time.

Why?

Because its words pierce the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to each one of us uniquely. And maybe the Bible was written just for you and me!

The Miracle of Motherhood

Before we can appreciate and fully understand the meaning of Jesus’ birth, we need a refresher on noteworthy mothers in the Bible. We begin today’s post with the miracle of motherhood.

In the Bible, several women give birth to baby boys, who become some of the greatest leaders in the Bible. These Old Testament women faced infertility and were initially unable to conceive. Some were even past child-bearing age! Yet, through God’s divine plan, each went on to experience the miracle of birth.

Sarah & Son, Isaac

There is Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who becomes pregnant and gives birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1).

Rebecca & Twins, Esau & Jacob

Interestingly, next is Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, who gives birth to twins Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:25-26).

Rachel & Son, Joseph

After Rebecca comes Rachel, Jacob’s wife. Jacob is the man who married Leah by mistake (wearing a veil in the bridal tent) and then has to work seven more years for his Uncle Laban’s approval to marry his true love, Rachel. Rachel becomes the mother of Joseph (Genesis 30:22).

Manoah’s Wife & Son, Samson

Then, there is the unnamed woman who is Manoah’s wife. She conceives and gives birth to Samson.

Hannah & Son, Samuel

Next is Hannah, who cries out to God and finally has Samuel. After weaning, she presents Samuel to Eli, the Priest, who then raises Samuel in the house of God (1 Samuel 1:20).

Each of these women was deeply spiritual. They each cried out and prayed fervently for a child. Some, for decades. Sarah even laughed when God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. She waited more than fourteen years for the prophecy to come to fruition.

The Miracle of Surrender

These women who become mothers teach us that God controls even the minute details of our lives. Even though the Bible may be devoid of details, there is nothing in this world that God does not know. There is a plan for you and for me.

How do we ensure we are doing what God wants us to do? For me, the first step is surrender.

We need to let go and let God.

When we give ourselves to God, we open ourselves to new possibilities. New doors to open and go through. You will only know what is on the other side of the door if you open it.

Reflecting on a point of surrender in my life, a pivotal moment stands out – back in 2015. Faced with a failed job search in the tri-state area, I turned to prayer. “God, I surrender and will go where you lead.”

The Miracle of a Dream Come True

I expanded my job search nationwide, leading to a surprising job offer in Arkansas. Little did I know what God had in store for me. My dream of teaching academic courses was fulfilled a few short years later. Only God knew of that dream, and it came true!

How do these biblical stories relate to you and your life’s journey? Has there been a time in your life that you surrendered to God? I’d love to hear about it.

As we close, may this Christmas be a time for you to be open to the possibilities of what might lie ahead.

Go ahead and open the door.

#miracles #relationships #mothers #motherhood #christmas

*Behind Closed Doors – Artist: Unknown (From Pinterest*)

I and Thou: Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Can you hear them? The bells are ringing. The town crier is making the announcement.

Can you see them? The stars are brightly shining. The shepherds see them in the sky.

Can you smell it? The hay in the manager. The sheep are lying quietly, heads bowed low.

Can you taste it? The cool, damp air of the night. The child swaddled for warmth.

Rejoice!

Sing praises to the newborn King!

The sacredness of Christmas reaches near and far. The stars twinkle in the sky. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Hear ye!

Christ is born!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Image Credit: Nativity backdrop at Mybackdrop dot co dot uk