The Magi slowly lumbered toward the stable. A shining star led them to the quiet 
little stable.
The animals swayed back and forth as if to an inner rhythm. The men themselves looked grander than anything ever seen in this area before. The caravan was filled with unique sounds and smells.
- Bells jingling from ornate blankets strewn across three huge camels, each carrying one of the royal visitors.
- Pack animals of various sizes loaded with food supplies unrecognizable to this land.
- One designated beast carried special cargo. The Gifts! A box of precious gold. The oil of frankincense is in an exotic container. The aroma of myrrh can be detected from a third beautifully crafted pot.
The Magi traveled a great distance for one purpose!
TO WORSHIP AND ADORE THE BABY!
. ‘
Another visitor to the stable that night is referred to in a certain Christmas carol, although his story maybe fictional. For the purpose of this post, I am taking poetic license. 😃
Picture a small boy about ten years of age. In contrast to the Magi’s royal finery, this boy’s garb is ragged. Jacob (my name for the boy), is attending the sheep with other shepherds on a still quiet evening. Suddenly the sky opens. Hosts of angels unable to contain themselves, explode in joy. ” Come Adore The Newborn King! Join us in the celebration.” (Angels We Have Heard On High.)
In obedience to the angels’ words, Jacob and the other shepherds go to the manger..
Upon arriving, Jacob could not believe his eyes. The huge beasts, their odd noises, the numbers in the caravan caused Jacob to stare. He saw three men in royal robes, with exquisite gifts humbly ask if they may enter the stable to see the Baby. The Mother and Father nod. In reverence, the men slowly entered, knelt and worshiped.
Jacob’s shoulders sagged. What did he have to offer the this Special Baby? Jacob only had his small drum. He was very poor. At night, when the sheep were restless, he played and sang. Jacob’s quiet voice and soft drumming had a peaceful, soothing effect against the anxieties of the day for both sheep and shepherd. This little gift was God’s gift in him.
“I have nothing to share as these royal gifts. The men are dressed so elegantly. They are dressed fit for a King. Their gifts are fit for a King. I am small, poorly dressed boy. I would dearly love to worship this wonderful Baby, but I don’t feel worthy. I will peek in and then leave”. Jacob sadly resolved. His heart was heavy..
The animals began to cause a commotion outside the stable. The journey took its toll. Beasts and the attendees were tired and hungry. The chaos outside made it difficult for the baby to fall asleep. The smells were different than the ones in the stable. Too much noise. The young mother was still uncertain how to handle a baby. Nothing prepared her for this.
Jacob walked closer to the stable as he dared to peek inside. Tentatively, he asked the wearied young mother,” Shall I play for Him on my drum?”
The Baby’s mother looked up and nodded. Jacob entered past the sheep and cows to the where the baby lay. He swung the drum to the front of his small body and drew out two wooden sticks. As Jacob looked at the Baby, his heart filled. The simple tune he offered were a perfect lullaby so filled with love. Jacob received a warm smile from The Baby just before the tiny eyelids finally closed into restful slumber.
The Little Gift Jacob gave to the baby was God’s Gift in Jacob.
http://www.songlyrics.com/christmas-carols/little-drummer-boy-lyrics/
Comparing my writing, the number of likes, how big, or creative other blogs are, causes me to to see through a skewed lens possibly even a dirty one. If I compare, I do not look at another gift through the lens of “what a glorious beautiful offering” or “what can I learn to improve my blessing”.?
Destruction to myself and a loss to the world comes when I weigh my gifts the same way Jacob weighed his gift to the gifts of the Magi. Jacob saw the beautiful, colorful, expensive items and smelled the wonderful aromatic gifts beside the baby. He looked at his drum. The pain in his heart at the smallness of his offering caused him to reject his gift. “ It is not good enough!” Jacob’s heart moaned. Jacob compared through a worldly lens instead of looking through God’s lens.
God created wonderful gifts in each of us. How do you see your gift? Do you see other writers, painters, creators bringing a gift to the manger that look far more developed and advanced than yours? Has the enemy lied to you saying your gift really has no value to anyone so why continue? As you compare to others, have you chosen not even bring your gift to the altar? Are you negating opportunities to express His heart and bless others.?
Allow yourself to go past the limitations keeping your gift from flowing.
Take time to go slow. Reflect in the joy and simplicity of Our Savior.
Follow the star to the manger.
Reflect on the words of the angels to come and adore Him with the gifts in your heart.
Be
Free
To
Worship
As
You
Were
Created!
Merry Christmas!!