Myrrh – Sacrificial - Ps. 130:5-8, Heb. 7:25, Rev. 8:3-5
Song: Before the King by Saddleback Worship
Myrrh is the third gift the magi gave Jesus. Similar to frankincense, it has a pleasing smell. However, in Bible times, myrrh was connected to suffering and used as an embalming oil when a person died.
The meaning of this gift was not recognized at the moment by the rest of the world. It pointed to Jesus' future death as a sacrifice for our sins. Many prophecies throughout the Old Testament warned of Jesus' pain and suffering, and myrrh was an important part of His story. For example, when it was time for Jesus to die on the cross, the soldiers offered wine mixed with myrrh to ease the pain. But Jesus refused it. Then after Jesus' death, Nicodemus brought myrrh to use during Jesus' burial.
Jesus' love is sacrificial. That means He loves you so much He gave up His own life so you can live. Myrrh is a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice. By His sacrificial love, Jesus modeled for us how to "carry one another's burdens," even when it feels difficult (Galatians 6:2).

Song for today: Before the King by Saddleback Worship

Egypt – Safety  – Matt. 2:13, Deut. 33:27, 1 Cor. 10:1-3
Egypt is where Joseph and Mary took Jesus to protect Him from King Herod. Remember that King Herod was planning to kill all the boys in his kingdom who were two years old and under (see Day 18). Imagine how Joseph and Mary felt. They had to leave everything that was comfortable to them and travel to Egypt, a foreign land. But God knew Egypt was a safe place, so He sent them there to protect Jesus. Joseph and Mary raised Jesus there until King Herod died not much later.
As a young boy, Jesus was a refugee living in a foreign land. A refugee is someone who lives in another country instead of their homeland. Do you know who else are refugees? We are! The Bible calls those who believe in Jesus "foreigners and temporary residents," or spiritual refugees, on earth (Hebrews 11:13). We don't belong in a sinful world.
Our real home is with God, living on a new earth without sin.
The Bible describes this new earth like the original garden of Eden, without sin, sickness, or heartache.
Jesus promised to prepare a place for us in our true home. The Bible also promises that God can be our refuge, or safe place, today when we put our trust in Him!

Song for today: Song: Joy to the world by Citizen

Jesus - Loving -  Luke 2:10-11, Jn. 15:9-13
Jesus and the Christmas Story Jesus is the Christmas story! Without Jesus, we would all be in big trouble. We all need a Savior to rescue us from sin. As the angel said, Jesus' arrival is "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). God the Father loved us so much that He chose to send His only Son from heaven to earth to be born as a baby.
But this is not where the good news ends. Jesus loved us so much that He grew up, lived the perfect life, and died in our place to suffer for our sin. Then Jesus came back to life three days later! He went up to heaven and lives there today. Because Jesus is alive, we can have an incredible relationship with God right now and forever. This is the best news of all! When we believe in Jesus, we become children of God. He guides us, makes His home with us, becomes our friend, teaches us His ways, and hears our prayers. Even more, we can love others the way God loves us. Jesus said,
"As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love" (John 15:9). This incredible love is the whole point of Christmas. It is the best news we will ever hear!

We hope to see you today at 4 at our candlelight service!

Song for Today: Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas! John 3:16=17