Bearing GIFTS We Traverse Afar

My precious niece, Virginia
Christmas, 1984

"They entered the house and saw the Child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him GIFTS of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matt. 2:11)

              When Virginia's dad (my brother) was a little fellow, our parents told him to be careful opening one of his Christmas GIFTS because it might be breakable. Mark said, "Might be eggs! Bet it is eggs!"

                   One Christmas tradition that my Phillip and I treasure is giving Jesus the first and most expensive GIFT every Christmas. Our church, Church of the Highlands, provides an incredible opportunity to do just that through the Legacy Offering, - a contribution GIFT given away to Christian help programs around our city, state, country, and world. 

                 May we never forget that Jesus truly is the Reason for the season - Christmas, after all, is the birthday of our King! What GIFT will you give Him this year?

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing GIFTS we traverse afar.

Field and fountain, moor and mountain,

Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,

Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign! 1

1 WE THREE KINGS. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1857.