Who Would Imagine a King

I have yet to hear this song all the way through without tearing up. Partly because I'm sad that Whitney doesn't sing like this anymore. But mostly because I am overwhelmed with emotion. A baby, born in the most humble of ways...to be a king. THE King. Paul and I have watched the Nativity Story for the past several years, sort of as a tradition. If you haven't seen it, promise me you'll go rent it...no, just BUY it. You'll save yourself the money of renting it twice. There's a part in the movie where Joseph and Mary are on the road to Bethlehem, (the movie shows how rough the terrain really was), they take a break to get a fish and eat. Mary looks at Joseph and says, "Do you ever wonder when we'll know?" Joseph says, "know what?"....Mary - "that he's more than just a child." Man, that gets me every time. The Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom. So as a baby, he needed to be fed, he cried and wanted to be held. But at what point could you tell a difference? There's another time when Joseph takes out a piece of bread to feed to Mary and the donkey (so that the donkey would make it). He didn't eat for himself. I know the writers took some liberties as to what happened on the road to Bethlehem, but watching this has stirred up so much conversation between Paul and I. The greatest story ever told. I pray I never tire of hearing it. And sharing it.

This past Sunday Paul spoke in church. He talked about the significance of Frankincense and Myrrh. To hear his message click here to download it. This week, Paul received a very special gift...The letter attached says:
Your message from Sunday morning contained a few topics that are near and dear to my heart. You may not know this but I am a Perfumer and work with aromatic chemicals, oils and resins on a weekly basis. I know you have spent years studying the bible and have read the words Frankincense and Myrrh and their descriptions, but you have not ever smelled the ancient materials. My Christmas present to you is your very own anointing from God. Sorry for not including the gold, but you know what it looks like.:)

I wish you could smell this picture! Myrrh has a fermented smell, sort of like alcohol. That is what they used for burial. Frankincense has a clean and minty smell, it's strong and kind of grabs your nose when you first smell it. How neat that we could smell what Jesus smelled when he was born!!! Thank you for this gift Erin and Patrick! We'll never forget it as long as we live!

If you take the time to reflect on the meaning of this season, God will meet you there and give you a joy and excitement that nothing in this world ever could.