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The gifts they brought provide us with a unique picture of these wise men and their knowledge.


At the time of Christ’s birth, to give gold to a baby would have been all but unheard of — unless, of course, that child was a king. These wise men must have been given great insight to realize this gift would be used to support the most important work the world had ever known.


Two thousand years ago, the frankincense tree was considered so sacred that only those pure of heart and mind were allowed to come near it. Thus, the givers must have believed this gift fore- shadowed Christ’s mission on earth. He was the purest of the pure.


Myrrh was a resin used in burial ceremonies. It was rare and very costly. Myrrh was also the most unique gift presented to Christ by the wise men. Why was this sweet-smelling spice given along with the gold and the frankincense? The Bible does not say. But many believe this gift was a sign that those who brought the presents understood the secret of this newborn King’s life, work and death. Whether the myrrh was kept and used for Christ’s burial is unknown, but it might have been.


Have you considered, like the wise men, actually giv- ing a gift to the One whose birthday we celebrate this Christmas? Perhaps a wonderful way to honor Jesus would be to save one of His children. Imagine the joy a poor, desperate child would feel if you became his or her sponsor. Perhaps you might even make this spon- sorship a family gift. Then each year at Christmas you could share with your loved ones what had happened with that sponsored child during the past 12 months. Maybe you could even begin a tradition where each member of your family signed a card for this special member of God’s family. Through the special gift of sponsorship you can bring the real Spirit of Jesus to a child who has never known Christmas and in the process teach your family the real power of spiritual giv- ing.


Urgent Need


There are 5 children featured in this maga- zine who need spon- sors. There are hun- dreds more who are waiting as well. Would you consider giving the greatest gift of all this year? Just $25 a month saves a life, and through that gift shows a child Christ’s love.


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