Scholars believe the magi were Gentiles who had come from the east and that it's possible perhaps that at least one of them was a Canadian and probably Native. You see, the others brought gold & frankincense, but the Native brought myrrh, which if you know your Greek, is Pemmican. The wise men offered their gifts a little late.
Isn't it hard to believe another year has come and gone? Time waits for no man, and very few women, my father would say. Like the New Year, the wise men came after Christmas. They're not really part of the nativity set.
Scholars believe the magi were Gentiles who had come from the east and that it's possible perhaps that at least one of them was a Canadian and probably Native. You see, the others brought gold & frankincense, but the Native brought myrrh, which if you know your Greek, is Pemmican. Since the wise men offered their gifts a little late, I will too. So I'd like to offer you three simple gifts today.
The first is a watch. A watch reminds us of how quickly time passes. When I turned 35 my son told me I was half dead. So let a watch remind us of how short our lives are. Last year is a memory. All the regrets in the world won't bring it back. But we can wind the watch up and set it right.
We will have the same amount of time this year, if Creator allows. A watch reminds us that time ticks slowly, so go one step at a time. Relax. Even ants have time to attend picnics. This year let's follow the example of Jesus who changed the course of history and still had time to hold a child on His knee.
The second gift is a box of chocolates. Chocolate reminds us that some things are too good not to share. For me this means sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It isn't always easy. I once told a man where he would spend eternity and he told me to go there. So I've learned to simply be a loving witness to what God has done. To tell people my story and use a little humor. I sat on a plane with a psychologist who diagnosed me as a Christian in no time. He said, "I've had bad experiences with Christians." I said, "Really? Me too." That simple comment led to a four hour discussion of my faith. Let's tell others about our Savior this year.
My final gift to you is a Bible. In a mall recently I saw a fortuneteller. People were lined up to learn about their future from a lady who looked more dazed and confused than any of them. The Bible is packed with promises, guidance, and all the direction you will need for this new year. It will only take seven or eight minutes a day to read it through in 2014. So let's get started.
Last January I had no idea that three family members would spend their first Christmas in heaven. What a comfort God's Word has been. I cling to verses like Deuteronomy 31:8. It says this: "The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
One of the nicest letters I've ever received came from a lady who was visiting her 85-yr-old mother in the hospital. Coming down the hallway she heard her mother laughing. Surrounded by plastic tubing, heart monitors and a bed pan, this dear old saint was reading one of my books and laughing herself silly. I'm sure she was worried about tomorrow and her health and the grandkids. But still she was able to laugh. Why? A well-worn Bible had told her of a better place. She knew that soon she'd be Home, where her tears would be wiped dry and her questions straightened into exclamation points. That day came three days later. Her daughter told me, "My last memory of my mother is of her laughing." What a way to go.
I hope you accept these three gifts this year. Learn to hang out with those who are gonna cry at your funeral. Spread God's grace around. And laugh lots. That way when you grow old all your wrinkles will be in the right places.
Phil is the author of two dozen books. You can listen to his daily radio program at http://www.laughagain.ca
