 And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 As a child, my family and I attended candlelight services at church every Christmas Eve. My favorite part was holding the burning candle and watching the wax drip while singing Silent Night. Another favorite song that we sang then and still sing today is “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” Who were those kings from the Orient who traversed so far and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to a child in Bethlehem? According to Matthew 2:1, the kings were wise men, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship him.” These wise men, also called Magi were wealthy and educated men who studied Scripture and astronomy. They knew the prophecies of a coming Messiah and they knew the stars. They were watching for a Ruler who would shepherd God’s people (Micah 5:2, 4) When they saw the new and unusual star, they knew it was “His star.” They selected gifts fit for a king, packed up their belongings and started walking about 400 miles towards that star. When they finally reached Judea, they approached King Herod and asked where was the King of the Jews. King Herod was troubled (Matt. 2:3) and probably very threatened of the news of a new king in his territory. He told the Magi that when they found this King of the Jews, to let him know so that he could go and worship this king also. When the Magi left the king, they continued following the star which led them to where the Child was (Matt. 2:9). Because of the long journey, the Messiah was no longer a baby in the manger but was a child between the ages of one and two years old. “When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when….they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him” (Matt. 2:10,11). Imagine grown men, walking for over a year, finding a toddler and falling down before this toddler and worshipping Him. They were confident of the Truth in Scripture and willing to humble themselves and worship their Messiah! As their worship continued, “They opened their treasures and presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11). These three gifts were unusual gifts for a child but appropriate gifts for the King of Kings! Each gift was very valuable and had a significant purpose. Gold was the metal for kings - very appropriate for Jesus, King of Kings. Frankincense was generally mixed with oil and used in worship by the high priest - another appropriate gift for this perfect High Priest who came to save. Myrrh is a perfume that was used for embalming. Also, appropriate as the Savior was going to suffer and die for our sins. We worship Jesus because we know of His great love for us - how He was perfect, yet willingly suffered and died on the cross for our sins so the we would be spared eternal separation from God Almighty. At this point, Jesus was a toddler and hadn't done anything for anyone. The obedient and humble actions of these Magi reflect that they truly were wise men full of faith and obedience! When they were ready to leave the Christ child, they were “divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod …[but] to go to their own country another way” (Matt. 2:12). Once again, the wise men showed their wisdom by listening to the Lord and not to a man as they did not return to Herod. After Herod realized they were not returning, he sent forth word that all boys age two and under be put to death; attempting to kill the Messiah the Savior of the world. Praise the Lord that his plan didn't work. As we think about the wise men, they have a lot to teach us. Do you think that the Lord wants all of us to be wise men and women? To seek Him To know His word To bow before Him To humble ourselves To worship Him To surrender our most valuable gifts of our heart, our time, our family, our resources?  
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Kim White
My precious husband, Bill, and I have been planted in Fort Myers, Florida for almost 35 years. As a newly married couple, God most graciously had placed people in both of our jobs to share Christ with us. Its hard to believe it has been almost 34 years since we asked Jesus into our hearts! Bill and I have been blessed with four children, 3 daughters, then a son. These blessings came quickly, all within 6 years!! During these years I'm so thankful I was able to be part of women's ministry classes at our church, helping me to grow in my walk with Him. Then came the day when I was asked that question that stretched me way outside of my comfort zone...will you teach a class? Its hard to believe that I have now been teaching more than 20 years. Bill and I love to travel, most of the time going to visit our 9 grandchildren, oh ya, and their parents! I also love reading, walking and hanging out with some very special young moms in Beloved that bless my socks off!
Julie Fuller
Julie is a Kansas girl who resides in sunny Southwest Florida. She's been married to her husband Sean for 23 years and they share two boys ages 21 & 17. She enjoys baking and biking, but her absolute favorite thing is snow skiing which is a little difficult to do in a sandy 80 degree land.
She became a follower of Christ at age 10. She loves studying and teaching God's Word. She has a passion for encouraging moms to love and follow Jesus. 
Beth Calhoun
Beth grew up in a loving home; however, in her early 20s she faced a very lonely time. During that time, she cried out to God and asked “If You are real, please show yourself to me!” God met her where she was and she trusted in the Lord Jesus at that time. Her life verse and desire is “no matter what happens, to conduct herself in a manner worthy of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27
Beth now resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband Larry. The Lord has blessed them by blending their family of five children. They currently have eight grandchildren and are hoping that there will be more grandchildren in the future. 
Donna Brown
Donna accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of nine and has been amazed at God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout her life. She has been blessed to have had many mentors through each season of life, who have shown her what trusting God looks like. Donna and her husband, Bryan, make their home in central Arkansas. They have five grown children and are grandparents to wonderful grandchildren. Donna enjoys spending time with her family, laughing with friends (usually over coffee), going for long walks with her husband, and reading a good book (which may also be accompanied by a cup of coffee).
Sarah Spencer
Sarah is a true Florida Cracker. She was born and raised in Southwest Florida. At the age of 6, Sarah accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and she hasn't looked back since. Hebrews 13:8 is one of her favorite verses, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Eating delicious desserts, spending time with her family and friends, and teaching people about Jesus are a few of the things she enjoys to do in her spare time.
Sarah has been married to her best friend and husband, Brandon, for 7 years. They have been blessed with one beautiful, determined son, Asher, who keeps them on their toes. Sarah and her family live in the Tampa area. They love exploring their community together, family hugs, and eating pizza whenever possible. 
Katie Flint
Katie Flint just recently moved back home to Fort Myers, Florida with her husband, Ryan and two children, Collins and Madden. At the age of 5, Katie accepted Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Savior of her life, after attending Vacation Bible School. Through each phase of her life, God has shown her that He alone is trustworthy. The verse that has been her life source is Psalm 46:10- “Be still and know that I am God.”
She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys exercising and baking. She has been married to her husband Ryan for almost 9 years, who is her high school sweetheart. They enjoy trying new restaurants, family trips to the beach, and relaxing at home. 
Marsha Sommer
Marsha grew up in a small rural town in upstate New York. In 2006, after finishing college, she moved to sunny SW Florida where she met her, now husband, Shawn. Together they enjoy spending family time with their two fun-loving toddler boys Zachariah and Kairos.
Marsha enjoys living an active lifestyle, which is helpful, considering that her favorite hobby is baking. Though she attended church as a child, Marsha was not saved until adulthood when her eyes were finally opened to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Since being saved, God has placed a loving burden on her heart to share the truth about God’s healing grace with those who may feel like forgiveness is not possible for them. Archives
December 2021
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