Sunday Words of Encouragement January 5, 2014

Today we celebrated Epiphany which is the revealing of Christ to the wider world (the Gentiles) symbolized by the journey and gifts of the three Magi (wise men). The three gifts have symbolic meaning. Frankincense represents the divinity of the baby as a sign of incense and worship. Myrrh, a spice used in burial ritual, represents the human suffering Jesus would experience. Gold was the most precious gift or possession one could have and it was given to acknowledge a King.

We had an absolutely stirring service this morning. Even before we shared communion - or perhaps I should say as we prepared to share communion - we were brought to the presence of God through our worship and praise! We never got to a sermon as we worshiped. There were three utterances all proclaiming that God is with us - Always. We are His children and He loves us more than mortal love can comprehend. He has not and will not abandon His people. Though we may go through struggles and troubles, He will be there with us to give us all that we truly need: strength, assurance, comfort and peace. All we have to do is remember to trust in Him.

 This was another song from our choir Christmas program. 

I had never heard it before but it is Wonderful!
One King.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 2:1-2 and 11 (NIV)
¹After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
¹¹ 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.

Lord, as we recognize Your gift to us - leaving your throne and coming to earth as a baby to die for our sins - may we give You the gifts or our complete trust and surrender. Help me in 2014 to live a life that is pleasing to You, brings You glory in even small ways, and shares Your light and message with others.