Christmas themes

[Brad Fox]

Embalming substance for a baby shower gift?

The Magi gave three gifts: Gold. Frankincense, Myrrh.

Gold has frequently been mentioned as possibly being very useful in helping Joseph and Mary pay for their flight to Egypt to escape Herod's murder of innocent baby boys. A royal gift.

Frankincense: an ingredient in the perfume of the sanctuary (see Exodus 30:34). Burning incense in the temple represented prayer (see Psalm 141:2). A priestly gift

Myrrh: an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). It was also used in embalming (see John 19:39). A gift meant to anoint the Christ child in his mission of sacrifice. A portend of His death on the cross.

Lord, thanks for your indescribable gift of the Christ child.

Thomas S. Monson

Isaiah prophesied: "For to 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."

His shoulders. Not the politicians. This changes everything for me.

God rest you and be merry, gentlemen, and ladies!

Prophetic. Not ironic. The little town of Bethlehem, situated 6 miles from Jerusalem, existed solely to raise choice sheep that would be used in the Temple sacrifices that would remove sin from the Jewish people. The sheep had to be the first born of a ewe, unblemished and dedicated for temple use only. Then one night, God birthed his final Lamb which would be His personal, ultimate sacrifice for His people, you and me. Micah predicted it 700 years before it happened. It was the fulfillment of His plan, not a coincidence or a "plan B." I am beyond thankful. Astonished.

Bible commentary: We moderns expect God to come looking for us, to explain Himself, prove who He is, and give us gifts. Wise men from far away

Persia came looking for God not for what they could get, but for who He was.

“If there were no lights, trees, parades, and parties would we still celebrate? If our Christmas was as lowly and quiet as it was in the stable all those years ago, would we still rejoice? If there were no gifts and all we had was Jesus, would He be enough?” Whitney White