ADORE Series Reflective Encouragement

Adore Series the Wise Men

Welcome to the final post in the ADORE Series: The Wise men—

Happy New Year!!! Did you know Saturday is the  Day of Epiphany?

Saturday January 6th marks the day to celebrate the day that  The Wise Men or Maggi arrived and worshiped Jesus the newborn king—“And he will be their peace.” (Micah 5:5Micah 5:5
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) Some traditions celebrate the combination of both the worship and gifts given by the Maggi and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist where the “Spirit descended on him like a dove.”(Mark 1:10-11Mark 1:10-11
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). These events are both centered on the celebration of the peaceful kingship of our Savior. If you have never celebrated this holiday you can find more information at this link —https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/epiphany.

As we take time this week to reflect on the gift of Christ, Immanuel.   I think it is important to consider the gifts presented to the Son of God by the Maggi. These men had, in some cases, spent their lifetime searching for the foretold star to appear as prophesied hundreds of years before by the prophet Balaam (Numbers 24:17-19Numbers 24:17-19
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). The star was declared as the sign of the rise of an Israelite King. After the “Bethlehem Star” (click for a short video) appeared in the heavens the Maggi began their journey to the Jewish capital city of Jerusalem. Each one anticipating their opportunity to honor and worship this long awaited king with gifts suited for royalty— gold, frankincense, and myrrh. All of these gifts spoke of Jesus’ position, purpose, and perpetual fulfillment of the prophecies that brought hope for “Eternal Peace” on earth. Let’s reflect on the gifts:

The First Gift~ Gold– A gift of great value given to royalty and those who have treasure. This gift speaks to the future position of Christ as Eternal King—the King of peace.

Micah 5:2-5Micah 5:2-5
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“”But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come from me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.”

The Second Gift~ Frankincense– An expensive form of incense known for it’s sweet fragrance, healing properties, and being used often in sacrificial offering ceremonies. This gift speaks to his purpose to live a life that would reconcile the world to its’ creator.

Isaiah 9:6-7Isaiah 9:6-7
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“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The seal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

The Third Gift~ Myrrh– A balm that had a sweet aroma yet bitter flavor most used for it’s healing, preservation, and protective qualities. It was commonly used for Jewish burial preparation. This gift resembles the suffering and sacrifice that speaks to the perpetual fulfillment of the prophecies for “Eternal Peace”.

 Revelation 1:4Revelation 1:4
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“ Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father— to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, “says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.””

Let’s carry these gifts in our lives this year to share with our world around us!

Our Challenges~

  1. Share the gift of gold by sharing the Gospel of peace and doing our best to remain at peace with all. (Ephesians 6:15Ephesians 6:15
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    ; Mark 9:50Mark 9:50
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    ; Romans 12:18Romans 12:18
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    )
  2. Share the gift of frankincense by spreading the fragrance of Christ’s love daily. (Ephesians 5:1-2Ephesians 5:1-2
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  3. Share the gift of myrrh by living selflessly and dying to our self-daily so Christ will live through us. (Philippians 1:21Philippians 1:21
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    ; Galatians 2:20Galatians 2:20
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    )

Prayer of Adoration: Oh Eternal King who is, who was, and is to come.  You are the love, joy, hope and peace of our world.  Mighty and worthy are you to receive all glory and praise. Your kingdom is never ending and your love endures forever. We seek your presence  and to be instruments of your peace, love, joy, hope, and grace throughout the coming year.

Lord as we draw closer to you we ask that you would fill us with more of you to be a fragrant offering to your overflow. Teach us to be imitators of you. May our lives draw others to you as we walk in your love and peace. Help us to live selflessly by faith. Empower us to choose to be salt and light encouraging peace among our brothers and sisters.

We ask all of this as we long for your triumphal return to reign as The King of Kings.

In Jesus Holy name, Amen

 

For more study on the “Bethlehem Star”by Andrew Reese you can click this link https://youtu.be/k07DzOMjM to view the full length movie on the scientific discovery of the “Bethlehem Star”.

Here is a great song to listen to as you ponder the gift of Christ by Lauren Daigle “Noel(live)”.

Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vwu-t7QRaE&sns=em 

Leave me a comment I would love to hear from you!

One way to start living out our challenges is to spend regular time in God’s word.    Make plans today to join a Bible study.

 

Be Alert~ Stay Strong~ Pray Always

Warrior~Princess Sherry

 Start 2024 growing in relationship with Jesus.

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