Faces Of Wonder And Worship / ‘EOA’ Link-Up #15

This little nativity was given to us piece by piece from the time when our children were still carrying around their own blankies. My Mom carefully wrapped each piece, praying that some day her grandchildren would personally experience the wonder reflected on the faces of the magi and the shepherds as they beheld the prophesied Messiah.

These resin figurines can only capture a fraction of the awe the real magi and shepherds must have felt, but they give us a glimpse into what happened 2000 years ago!!

Although the word magic is derived from the same root as magi, and magi are generally associated with occult studies even in our modern world, these magi seem to be different. There is no indication that they practiced sorcery or claimed magical powers. Their recorded conduct is sincere and worshipful. They appear to have researched the Old Testament and believed its prophecies about the Messiah. They apparently gained nothing material from their long journey.

The record does not specifically say that there were three magi; this is assumed by some from the number and types of gifts that were given to Jesus. The gifts reflected the aspects of Christ’s nature: gold to a king, myrrh to one who will die, and incense, as homage to God. 

These magi did not arrive until possibly almost two years after Christ’s birth, certainly sometime after his presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-39). (Immediately after the visit of the magi, Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt, where they probably stayed till after Herod’s death in 4 B.C.)

The humble shepherds of Luke ch. 2 were ‘sore afraid’, but when the angel told them ‘fear not’ and proceeded to tell them that this was a joyous event and a ‘sign’ to them, they pondered it and wanted to see more, even right then! They went “with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds… And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”   ~Luke 2: 17-18, 20

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2: 19 

May you focus on the Messiah, be filled with wonder, and worship Him now!!

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  Welcome Back, Everyone!!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”   ~1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Rules for this Link up:

1.) Please use the Linky Tools below to link up an encouraging post that will help other families grow stronger! This could include topics such as: character-building or homemaking skills, cleaning, cooking, gardening, an alternative medicine tip, devotions, a special photo, scripture, or any other topic that would be of encouragement to someone.

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3.) If you are unable for some reason to put the button in your post, please make sure you link back to this post!

4.) Visit a fellow blogger who linked-up and give an affirming comment on their post. Spread the word so we can learn more ideas on keep our families growing! If you’re not participating today, I hope you’ll come back & join in next week!

~ Jacqueline