To kick off our 19th annual Treasures of Hope Christmas Store, we're profiling individuals who played a role in the story of Jesus' birth in #12DaystoTreasures.
The Wise Men, also known as the Magi, appear in the Christmas narrative as mysterious figures who visit Jesus in Bethlehem. Classic literature says there were three men, and some say they represented Asia, Europe, and Africa, but the Bible doesn't give those details. What we do know is that they guided by a strange star or astronomical phenomenon, perhaps were members of a secret sect founded by Daniel in Babylon, and they were used by God for His eternal purpose.
How God used the Wise Men is the question. The men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- three gifts symbolizing Jesus' kingly stature (gold), His priestly role (frankincense) and His sacrificial death (myrrh). Isaiah prophesies about kings bringing gifts to the Messiah, but the New Testament record penned by Matthew may only be a glimpse of a prophecy yet to be fulfilled.
Some scholars say that the expensive gifts helped to finance Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt during Herod's campaign to kill Jesus. Another speculation is that frankincense was given to Jesus as a gift because of its medicinal properties.
The ultimate point is that these men played a part in the Christmas story. When Herod, told them to tell him when they found Jesus so that he could worship Jesus, they refused. Seeing beyond Herod's pretense, they chose to partner with God and protect Jesus.
During our years of ministry at Dallas Leadership Foundation, we've been amazed who God has brought along our path to help us serve people in Dallas. The Lord has brought dear-hearted people who have supported our efforts to transform neighborhoods and provide support through outreaches like the Treasures of Hope Christmas Store. They've brought their talents, leadership skills, and love.
What we've learned is that God can raise up partners whom He guides to support His purposes. Look around you. What wise men have God brought alongside you to help?
If you want to donate toys and other items to Treasures of Hope so that we can make Christmas special for hundreds of Dallas families, please visit our online store at dlftx.org.
The Wise Men, also known as the Magi, appear in the Christmas narrative as mysterious figures who visit Jesus in Bethlehem. Classic literature says there were three men, and some say they represented Asia, Europe, and Africa, but the Bible doesn't give those details. What we do know is that they guided by a strange star or astronomical phenomenon, perhaps were members of a secret sect founded by Daniel in Babylon, and they were used by God for His eternal purpose.
How God used the Wise Men is the question. The men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- three gifts symbolizing Jesus' kingly stature (gold), His priestly role (frankincense) and His sacrificial death (myrrh). Isaiah prophesies about kings bringing gifts to the Messiah, but the New Testament record penned by Matthew may only be a glimpse of a prophecy yet to be fulfilled.
Some scholars say that the expensive gifts helped to finance Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt during Herod's campaign to kill Jesus. Another speculation is that frankincense was given to Jesus as a gift because of its medicinal properties.
The ultimate point is that these men played a part in the Christmas story. When Herod, told them to tell him when they found Jesus so that he could worship Jesus, they refused. Seeing beyond Herod's pretense, they chose to partner with God and protect Jesus.
During our years of ministry at Dallas Leadership Foundation, we've been amazed who God has brought along our path to help us serve people in Dallas. The Lord has brought dear-hearted people who have supported our efforts to transform neighborhoods and provide support through outreaches like the Treasures of Hope Christmas Store. They've brought their talents, leadership skills, and love.
What we've learned is that God can raise up partners whom He guides to support His purposes. Look around you. What wise men have God brought alongside you to help?
If you want to donate toys and other items to Treasures of Hope so that we can make Christmas special for hundreds of Dallas families, please visit our online store at dlftx.org.
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