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The Magi’s Gifts: What Can We Offer Jesus Today?

When we think of the first Christmas gifts, it's easy to turn our thoughts toward the Magi—those mysterious visitors from the East who traveled far to worship the newborn King. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each deeply symbolic of who Jesus is and what He came to do. While we may not have treasures like these to lay before the Savior today, the question remains: What can we give the Savior who has given us everything? The answer lies in the way we live, love, and serve.

The Meaning of the Magi’s Gifts

The gifts brought by the Magi were not random; each held significance, revealing the multifaceted nature of Christ—our King, our God, and our Savior.

Gold: The Gift for a King
Gold was a gift fit for royalty, acknowledging Christ as the King of Kings. It speaks to His authority and eternal reign.

Frankincense: The Gift for Worship
Representing worship and prayer, Frankincense is a fragrant resin used in temple rituals. As a gift, it declares Christ’s divinity and the call for devotion.

Myrrh: The Gift for Sacrifice
Myrrh is an ancient burial spice. Correspondingly, it foreshadowed Christ’s suffering and sacrificial death for humanity.

Our Gifts to Lay Before the Manger

While we may not bring physical treasures like the Magi, we can still offer Him meaningful gifts that honor and demonstrate His significance in our lives. 

Here are three gifts we can bring to the Savior today:

Our Time: A Gift of Presence
Dedicate moments each day to prayer, Bible reading, and worship. Intentionally prioritizing time with Him each day keeps Him first place in our lives. 

Our Talents: A Gift of Praise
Use your God-given abilities to serve others and glorify Him. It doesn’t matter what our talents are– every talent can be an act of worship.

Our Treasures: A Gift of Generosity
Give financially or materially to support the church, missions, or those in need. Sharing our resources demonstrates gratitude and trust in God as our ultimate provider.

The Finest Gift We Can Lay

The most precious treasure we can give Christ is the fullest offering of ourselves. That is, we must live a life fully surrendered to Him and honor Him daily through our actions, thoughts, and words.

This looks like:

Daily Appreciation
Gratitude keeps your heart focused on Christ’s goodness. Take time each day to recognize and appreciate the blessings in your life and thank God for all He provides. 

Morning Appointments
Start your mornings connecting with God through prayer and seek His guidance for the day ahead. 

Compassionate Service
Look for opportunities to show kindness and meet the needs of those around you.

Regular Bible Reading
Align with His will through consistent Bible study. 

Handing the Reigns to God
Live with open hands and regularly submit your goals and decisions to God, trusting Him to take the lead. 

Radiating His Light
Let your life reflect His light, and be sure that you conduct yourself in a way that points others to Christ. This involves making choices that Honor God– from how you spend your time to how you treat others.

Laying Our Gifts Before Him

The Magis prompt us to consider the real meaning behind gift-giving during the Christmas season. Though we may not bring gold, frankincense, or myrrh, we can offer gifts of far greater meaning: our time, talents, and treasures, all humbly surrendered in reverence. As we celebrate His birth, let’s dedicate ourselves to giving Him the best we have and aspire to live lives that are a continuous offering of love and praise to the King of Kings. Afterall, it is He who has given us the greatest gift of all– Himself. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Whispers of Wonder: 30 Quotes About Christmas

Today we are to relish in the enchanting words of pausing Christmas sentiments that hold a unique power to stir our hearts and kindle the Christmas spirit within. Eloquently capturing the essence of the season, the timeless expressions below promise to illuminate Christmas celebrations and warm the soul. 

The Quotes

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills

“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it, you know it, you believe it.” – Kevin Alan Milne

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” – Washington Irving

“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Valentine Davies

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” – Dale Evans

"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." — Ruth Carter Stapleton

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

“Christmas is not a story of hope. It is hope.” — Craig D. Lounsbrough

“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future." — Agnes M. Pahro

"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.” — Unknown

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” — Freya Stark

 "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” — Roy L. Smith

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” ― Steve Maraboli

“If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return.” ― Toni Sorenson

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans—and all that lives and move upon them.” ― Sigrid Undset

“Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” —Norman Vincent Peale

“Christmas—that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance—a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.” —Augusta E. Rundel

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you."—Saint Teresa of Calcutta

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Weaving together joy, love, and goodwill, may the tidings instill a lingering impression that carries you throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, peace, warmth, and promise, 
Your friends at Torrance Church of Christ

Musical Magic: Celebrating the Heart of Christmas with Joyful Carols

Christmas carols hold a special place in our hearts, bringing joy and warmth to the holiday season. These timeless songs, many of which share the story of Jesus' birth, create a beautiful melody that adds magic to our celebrations. As we look over the messages and key verses of these carols, we find a meaningful connection to the heart of Christmas – the arrival of Jesus Christ. These songs go beyond mere tunes, becoming a shared expression of faith, love, and togetherness. Whether sung by a community or enjoyed personally, they invite us to celebrate not only the festive spirit but also to embrace the deeper meaning of Christmas. Through the harmonious blend of melodies and lyrics, we find a joyful and inviting space where the sacred and the festive beautifully intertwine, making the season a time filled with both merriment and a profound connection to the divine.

1. "O Holy Night"
Overall Message:
"O Holy Night" celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with deep reverence. The lyrics convey a sense of awe and wonder at the significance of the night when the Savior, Jesus, was born. It emphasizes the divine nature of this event and the significant impact it has on humanity. 

Key Lyrics:

2. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Overall Message:
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" serves as a joyous proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics echo the Biblical message delivered by the angels to the shepherds, highlighting the glory of the newborn King. The hymn praises God for the reconciliation of sinners through the birth of Jesus, announcing the message of peace and mercy.

Key Lyrics:
"Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.'"

3. "Silent Night"
Overall Message:
"Silent Night" reflects on the peaceful and sacred night of Jesus' birth. The song captures the serene atmosphere of that holy moment portraying the tranquility and brightness surrounding the Virgin Mary and the newborn Child. It invites believers to contemplate the silent beauty of Christ's arrival.

Key Lyrics:
"Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild."

4. "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
Overall Message:
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" extends an invitation to believers to come and adore Christ. The lyrics express joy and triumph in approaching Bethlehem to witness the birth of the King of Angels. The song encourages faithful worship and celebrates the anticipation of the Messiah's arrival.

Key Lyrics:

 
5. "Joy to the World"
Overall Message:
"Joy to the World" celebrates the joyous arrival of Jesus and anticipates His reign. The lyrics emphasize the universal impact of Christ's birth, calling for the earth to receive its King. The song expresses the joy that comes from recognizing the Savior and preparing one's heart for His presence.

Key Lyrics:
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing."

6. "Away in a Manger"
Overall Message:
"Away in a Manger" tenderly describes the peaceful scene of Jesus' birth in a humble setting. The lyrics convey a sense of gentleness and simplicity, highlighting the innocence of the newborn Jesus and the love surrounding His arrival.

Key Lyrics:
"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head."

7. "What Child Is This?"
Overall Message:
"What Child Is This?" poses questions about the identity and significance of the newborn Jesus. The lyrics encourage reflection on the miraculous nature of Christ's birth and invite listeners to recognize and worship the infant Messiah.

Key Lyrics:

8. "Angels We Have Heard on High"
Overall Message:
"Angels We Have Heard on High" recounts the angelic proclamation of Jesus' birth. The lyrics convey the heavenly joy and the message of peace on earth. 

Key Lyrics:
"Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er the plains;
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains."

9. "The First Noel"
Overall Message:
"The First Noel" narrates the story of the shepherds and the star, highlighting the birth of Jesus. The lyrics emphasize the angelic announcement and the significance of the humility of the shepherds as they witness the birth of Christ. 

Key Lyrics:
"The first Noel the angels did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep."

10. "We Three Kings"
Overall Message:
"We Three Kings" depicts the journey of the Magi to worship the newborn King. The lyrics spotlight the significance of Jesus as a divine and royal figure, worthy of adoration and the presentation of gifts.

Key Lyrics:

11. "Go, Tell It on the Mountain"
Overall Message:
"Go, Tell It on the Mountain" communicates the exuberance of spreading the news of Jesus' birth. The song encourages believers to share the joyful tidings of the Savior's arrival, calling on them to proclaim the good news "over the hills and everywhere" that Jesus Christ is born.

Key Lyrics:
"Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!"

12. "In the Bleak Midwinter"
Overall Message:
"In the Bleak Midwinter" reflects on the modest circumstances of Jesus' birth while contemplating the appropriate response. The lyrics express a sense of humility and introspection, pondering what one can offer to the newborn Christ, accentuating the idea that the most meaningful gift one can give is a heart surrendered to Him.

Key Lyrics:
"What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give Him: give my heart."

13. "Mary, Did You Know?"
Overall Message:
"Mary, Did You Know?" poses questions to Mary about the aspects of Jesus' life and mission. The lyrics explore the miraculous nature of Christ's identity, underlining His role as the Lord of all creation and the future ruler of nations. 

Key Lyrics:

14. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"
Overall Message:
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" reflects on the angels' message of peace and goodwill through the birth of Jesus. The lyrics convey the transcendent beauty of the celestial proclamation, offering a message of hope and peace for a troubled world. 

Key Lyrics:
"It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold."

15. "Oh, Come, Little Children"
Overall Message:
"Oh, Come, Little Children" is an inviting song that encourages children to come and adore the Christ child with simplicity and innocence. The lyrics create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, appealing to young hearts to join in the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Key Lyrics:
"Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all,
To Bethlehem's stable, in Bethlehem's stall."

16. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
Overall Message:
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" shares the message of peace and hope amid the challenges of the world. The lyrics draw inspiration from the sound of Christmas bells and convey a message of assurance that, despite the difficulties, God is not absent, expressing confidence in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Key Lyrics:

17. "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
Overall Message:
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" narrates the shepherds' experience of witnessing the angelic proclamation of Jesus' birth, capturing the awe and wonder.

Key Lyrics:
"While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around."

18. "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
Overall Message:
"Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" expresses reverence for the humble birth of Jesus in a stable. The lyrics convey the sacredness of the moment, portraying the scene of the Christ child lying in a cattle stall. The song reflects on the innocence of the newborn Babe who is declared as the Lord of all.

Key Lyrics:
"Infant holy, infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all."

19. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"
Overall Message:
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" offers comfort and joy through the good news of Jesus' birth. The lyrics encourage believers not to be dismayed but to find rest and happiness in the knowledge that Christ, the Savior, has been born on Christmas day.

Key Lyrics:

20. "The Little Drummer Boy"
Overall Message:
"The Little Drummer Boy" tells the story of a humble boy who plays his drum for the newborn Jesus as a gift of worship, conveying the notion that even the simplest and most heartfelt offering is significant in the eyes of God. 

Key Lyrics:
"I played my best for Him, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum;

21. "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"
Overall Message:
"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus leaving His heavenly throne to be born on Earth. The lyrics convey a deep sense of humility and love, supporting the voluntary nature of Christ's incarnation. The song invites listeners to contemplate the immense sacrifice made by the Savior for the sake of humanity.

Key Lyrics:
"Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me."

22. "In Dulci Jubilo" (Good Christian Men, Rejoice)
Overall Message:
"In Dulci Jubilo" celebrates the joy and exultation brought by the birth of Christ. The lyrics call on Christian men to rejoice with heart and soul, emphasizing the transformative nature of Jesus' birth. The song expresses the assurance of salvation and the victory over fear through the birth of Jesus.

Key Lyrics:

23. "He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child"
Overall Message:
"He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child" announces the birth of the divine Christ child and rejoices in the miracle of this sacred event. The lyrics convey a sense of merriment and celebration, encouraging believers to play instruments and sing joyfully. The song captures the awe-inspiring nature of the Savior's arrival.

Key Lyrics:
"He is born, the divine Christ child,
Play the oboe and bagpipes merrily;
He is born, the divine Christ child,
Sing we all of the Savior mild."

24. "I Wonder As I Wander"
Overall Message:
"I Wonder As I Wander" reflects on the wonder of Jesus' birth and contemplates the purpose of His coming. The lyrics convey a sense of amazement and curiosity about the Savior's mission, highlighting His sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. 

Key Lyrics:
"I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor orn'ry people like you and like I."

25. "The Holly and the Ivy"
Overall Message:
"The Holly and the Ivy" features symbolic lyrics intertwining the holly and the ivy with Christian themes. The song uses these traditional Christmas symbols to convey spiritual messages, with the holly representing Christ's crown of thorns and the ivy representing everlasting life.

Key Lyrics:

26. "Coventry Carol"
Overall Message:
"Coventry Carol" is a lullaby mourning the Massacre of the Innocents. Calling attention to the somber aspect of Christmas, the lyrics depict the grief and sorrow of mothers who lost their children to King Herod's decree. 

Key Lyrics:
"Herod, the king, in his raging,
Chargèd he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay."

27. "Infant King"
Overall Message:
"Infant King" expresses reverence for the newborn King and the awe-inspiring nature of His arrival, encouraging worship and adoration for the Savior.

Key Lyrics:
"Infant King, Infant King, I bow before Thee;
Infant King, Infant King, I adore Thee."

28. "Once in Royal David's City"
Overall Message:
"Once in Royal David's City" narrates the beginnings of Jesus in Bethlehem, describing the simple setting of the cattle shed where Jesus was born.

Key Lyrics:

29. "All My Heart This Night Rejoices"
Overall Message:
"All My Heart This Night Rejoices" expresses the joy and gratitude for the Savior's birth, inviting believers to rejoice with their whole hearts.

Key Lyrics:
"All my heart this night rejoices,
As I hear, far and near,
Sweetest angel voices."

30. "Gesu Bambino"
Overall Message:
"Gesu Bambino" celebrates the birth of Jesus with reverence and adoration. The lyrics describe the beauty of the Christmas Rose blooming in the snow, symbolizing the King of Love and Light. 

Key Lyrics:
"When blossoms flowered 'mid the snows,
Upon a winter night,
Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose,
The King of Love and Light."

Outro

Each song contributes to the richness of Christmas, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the Christmas story, and exploring themes of sacrifice, joy, celebration, wonder, and reverence for the divine nature of Jesus' birth. traditions and the spiritual significance of the holiday.
As we enjoy the cheerful tunes and heartwarming stories of Christmas carols, let's not forget the special message they carry about the birth of Jesus. In the middle of all the festive fun, why not spread some kindness and joy to those around us? Whether it's singing a carol together or doing something nice for someone, let's make this Christmas a time of love and connection. So, as we listen to these lovely songs, let's be inspired to share goodwill and keep the true spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts.

-Torrance Church of Christ