The Gift that Keeps on Giving!
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. Ever go in search of that PERFECT gift, not really having anything in mind, but waiting for it to jump off the shelves and literally wrap itself … because it is SOOOO perfect. Pause … enjoy the moment, brief that it is. WAKE UP … ain’t gunna happen! However for some of us it is … the hunt!
Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, ALL of us have ‘gifts’ to offer. God given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether that be, the gift of ‘helps,’ your heart overflows with servant hood. Or be it, the gift of ‘encouragement’, how many of us LOVE being on the receiving end of that gift! Perhaps, the gift of a listening ear, or providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. Geeky that I am, I dig, dust off, polish and share it with others. What is your gift? No gift is too small, or insignificant.
Often we read through the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts, singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement.
Consider if you will, the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the Bethlehem Star belongs. (Matthew 2) DeDe’s imaginative possible scenario of events: They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, ‘O yeah, the myrrh is last’. How would YOU like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not! One among the triune gifts that 
are of great value.
AH… the gifts, gold, frankincense and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh? The divine significance of myrrh:
Exodus 30:22-23 Myrrh ~ an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the oil poured down over the heads of the priests and their garments.
Luke 7:36-50 Myrrh ~ (myron) perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet.
John 19:39-40 Myrrh ~ used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, men of wisdom, honor, and royal position now place gold, frankincense and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death. The atoning event for all mankind.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC. A new appreciation for the gift?
May we too bow low, offer even what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in Jesus name have GREAT value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely. Jesus.
Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example ~ Be prophetic. The gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain Website: https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/
The Provision of Christmas
Christmas ‘2011′ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, cards, parties, lights, decorated trees, wrapping paper, bows.
Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, bright star, angelic host, shepherds, sheep, peace on earth, good news, (SALVATION!)
Luke chapter 2, the familiar recounting of the Christmas story, like that of a well rehearsed children’s play, all the characters are in place, the declaring angels hit their queue perfectly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” LOVE IT!
There is one small phrase I want to point out in the narrative, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v. 8) I’ll jump right to it … did you know that scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The spiritual custom (requirement) of the day was to raise or purchase a lamb, take it to the priests and have it offered as a substitutionary sacrifice for atoning forgiveness of their sins. (Pause … stop reading … think about this)
Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds KNEW the divine importance of “keeping 
watch over their flocks …” Could it be that God sent the angels to the people that would … GET IT? The angel declares “… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” The Messiah has come, the Savior. The narrative continues, “… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” They left. In a hurry. It doesn’t say if they appointed someone to stay, but they sought out Jesus and then spread the word about Him.
Remember the conversation Abraham had with Issac as they climbed the mountain? Abraham’s response so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Issac said, “but where is the lamb…” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Gen. 22:7-8)
Jesus’ birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)
Fast forward 30+ years … this, recorded of John the Baptist, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. On lookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, bloody body.
THIS, the season of Passover… the blood of the Lamb marking people to be released from the wrath of God.
Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare, this time … “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing … be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:11,13)
May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. Behold the provision and O so worthy Lamb of God. The provision of Christmas
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Don’t Belittle the Flock!
Christmas ‘2010’ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, (shopping carts) cards, parties, (FOOD), lights on houses, decorated trees, (stress) wrapping paper, bows (debt) Christmas sweaters 
(Dude!)
Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, (humble) bright star, angelic host, shepherds with flock, (awe struck) peace on earth, good news, (SALVATION!)
Luke chapter 2, the familiar recounting of the Christmas story, like that of a well rehearsed children’s play, all the characters are in place, the declaring angels hit their queue perfectly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” LOVE IT!
There is one small phrase I want to point out in the narrative, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v. 8) I’ll jump right to it … did you know that scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The spiritual custom (requirement) of the
day was to raise or purchase a lamb, take it to the priests and have it offered as a substitutionary sacrifice for atoning forgiveness of their sins. (Pause … stop reading … think about this)
Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds KNEW the divine importance of “keeping watch over their flocks …” Could it be that God sent the angels to the people that would … GET IT? The angel declares “… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” The Messiah has come, the Savior. The narrative continues, “… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” They left. In a hurry. It doesn’t say if they appointed someone to stay, but they sought out Jesus and then spread the word about Him.
Remember the conversation Abraham had with Issac as they climbed the mountain? Abraham’s response so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Issac said, “but where is the lamb…” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Gen. 22:7-8)
Jesus’ birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)
Fast foreword … 30+ years … this, recorded of John the Baptist, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. On lookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, bloody body.
THIS, the season of Passover… the blood of the Lamb marking people to be released from the wrath of God.
Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare … this time … “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing … be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:11,13)
You may ask, “DeDe why so much PASSION for the Christmas season from you?” My simple response: December 21, 1979. THAT date marks for me, Jesus the baby ~ Jesus the Lamb of God ~ Jesus my Savior. At the age of nearly 17, I sat in the Pastors home with Brenda, the pastors wife, as she lovingly shared Jesus. THAT moment, I invited the Lamb of God into my heart. Thirty-one years later, I too continue to spread the word about Him.
May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. Don’t belittle the flock.
Have we noticed that Jesus never asked that we remember His birth, but to remember His death. The lamb of God.
** Please take the time to watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_L0AXVU5Ks (Watch the Lamb)
In Him, DeDe
Inspired Fountain 