A newly set up trio of items in our living room are symbols of three gifts from God.  The small shelf holds two of the three items while the third hangs on the wall behind them. The cross in the center was made as a gift in memory of a loved one.  The other two items I purchased; one very recently, the other several years ago.   Let’s take a look at each item and what gift from God it symbolizes to me.

The newly purchased item is the small carved nativity on the left. The nativity represents Jesus’ beginning moments here on earth.  HE came to earth as a newborn baby and found himself snuggled in the most unlikely of beds for a King!  HE was exactly where His Father wanted him to be.  HIS humble beginning as a baby born in a stable and found lying in a manger by those shepherds reminds me that I too need to be humble.  It is a daily struggle to do so, but I am working hard to be more like Jesus every day.  

The cross reminds me of his final and painful yet loving sacrifice for me – HIS death for my sins.  After completing his ministry time alongside his disciples, Jesus was beaten, placed on a cross, taunted, and suffered the painful death as the ultimate sacrificial lamb for the sins of us all.  I am thankful that I learned of his GREAT love for me from a young age and accepted my need for his sacrifice as a young teenager.  I am thankful for that moment when I asked him to forgive my sins and to become my Lord and Savior. I am thankful that I asked HIM to guide me through my life from that time forward.  But that cross is just a symbol of his sacrifice, because his life did not end!  The Good News of his resurrection is “celebrated” at Easter each spring, but we should remember his sacrifice and resurrection daily.  After all, that sacrifice allows us to have eternal life once we have accepted his gift!  

The third item was purchased from a missionary several years ago.  It was made by local women in the African area she ministered to.  It is a simple item with a rough sketch on the front.  The simple image is of one being welcomed and comforted by another.  I look at this image and see several things.  Some days I see Jesus’ welcoming arm around me as I ask him to forgive my sins.  Some days I see Jesus comforting one of his sheep as they mourn. Some days I see Jesus’ guiding arm as he welcomes loved ones into heaven as they take one last look back at those who are mourning their passing.  Some days I look intently at the simple image and I am able to imagine Jesus comforting me in my many moments of grief over the years of my life.  Every day, I am thankful for his welcoming, comforting and guiding arms. 

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 11-12

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28