Three Kings Day

The Christmas gift giving season is in full swing! For some of us it begins when we receive our Christmas Savings Club checks, for some of us it begins the day after Thanksgiving with Black Friday sales and for some of us it begins December 1st with the 25 days till Christmas count down. But when exactly should the Christmas season end?

For me it is Three Kings Day. Also known as The Epiphany, Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. Many people stop celebrating the Christmas season on December 31st as it is New Year's Eve and January 1st is the first day of the New Year. But Christians remember the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ.

The name "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word Epiphania, and means "to show, make known, or reveal." There are three events that are central to the definition of Epiphany.
1. The visit of the three kings. The Magi (3 kings) were the first Gentiles to publicly recognize the divinity of Jesus, by way of their offerings. The visit of the three kings reveals Christ as our true and highest "Lord and King."
2. Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River showed man Christ's divinity as the Son of God. John the Baptist, according to Matthew 3:16-17, testifies of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
3. Christ's first miracle at the wedding in Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. Christ made His true glory known so man could believe in him.

Three Kings Day, the Epiphany, is a reminder of God the Father's unlimited love and mercy, which He has extended to all of mankind through the revelation of His Son, who is our hope of salvation when we have faith in Him. It seems fitting that we should honor this day in three meaningful ways. But how?

Christ taught us to give of ourselves. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Each of the three kings willingly gave one of their valuable possession. Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Perhaps we can honor Three Kings Day and our Lord by the giving of three modern gifts.

1. Gold - No matter how small the sum, perhaps we can give a gift to a deserving charity.
2. Frankincense - Used in embalming during Jesus' time and today in incense, makes a sweet smelling gift. Perhaps we can give a gift of Frankincense incense and take the time to say the Lord's Prayer with someone in need.
3. Myrrh - Used in perfume since Jesus' time and now in many health and beauty products, perhaps we can give a basket we fill with sweet smelling myrrh products and include a Bible verse in the card to someone who needs some cheering up. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

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Inspiring Thankful Thoughts & Words In Kids

I often wonder if my son thinks about or knows how to verbalize what he is thankful for. I know he does when it comes to Halloween candy and Christmas presents. The smile on his face, light in his eyes and cheers of joy tell me that. But what about friends and family, love and caring?

We live in a very materialistic world. Television commercials advertise everything my son's heart could possible desire. With Christmas just around the corner, thoughts of toys and other goodies are filling his head. It's up to me to interrupt his train of thought and send it in a completely different direction.

With Thanksgiving just 25 days away, I started thinking this morning, and I think I have come up with a way to inspire thoughts and words of thankfulness for family and friends in my son's head. Best of all, it is completely cost free!

The day before Thanksgiving, I am going to tell my son that after Thanksgiving dinner is completed, and before dessert is served, everyone at the table is going to pick a name out of a hat. Then, one at a time, each of us is going to say out load why we are thankful for the person whose name we picked out of the hat. I will tell him he must select a reason why he is thankful for that person that has nothing to do with presents.

A good example would be: I am thankful for Grandma because every time she sees me, she smiles at me and I know she is happy to see me.
A bad example would be: I am thankful for Grandma because every time she comes to visit, she brings me a toy.

I know my son feels loved and cared for, but I want him to realize who the people are that helped him to feel that way and the things that they do that make him feel that way. Even more importantly, I want him to feel comfortable verbalizing those feelings. Hopefully, this Thanksgiving activity will do just that. And you never know, it just might help some of our family and friends, including myself, to do the same. Not just at Thanksgiving, but all year round!

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An Angelic Christmas Gift You Can Make!

If Grandma has everything and you have a limited Christmas present budget, you can make a Grandma's Little Angel Photo Ornament for her Christmas gift this year! Yes Mom, you can make this Christmas present very easily. Depending on the age of your child, perhaps your child can help.

With a few tools most of us already have and some reasonably priced and readily available supplies, a Grandma's Little Angel Photo Ornament makes a unique gift that Grandma will love!

Here's what you will need:

A Wallet Size Photo of Your Child
A Sheet of T-shirt Transfer Paper (Inkjet or Laser)
An Inkjet or Laser Printer
White Polymer Clay
An Angel Shape Cookie Cutter
A Non-porous Rolling Pin (Marble, Metal)
A Metal BBQ Skewer
An Oven
Gold Metallic Craft Paint
A Thin Paint Brush
Gold Metallic Ribbon

Here are the Directions:

Print your picture on the T-shirt transfer paper. Cut out the child's head leaving one edge that can be turned up to make it easier to remove the paper from the clay.
Pre-Heat your oven to the temperature that is recommended for your brand of clay.
Roll the clay flat and even with the rolling pin. Cut an angel shape from the clay with the cookie cutter. Cut a hole in the top of the angel with the BBQ Skewer. Lay your child's head picture on the clay angel's head. Rub the image gently into the clay making sure to smooth out any air bubbles so the entire picture fully adheres to the clay. If it doesn't, the entire picture will not print and you will have white areas. Be careful when you pick up the clay that the paper does not lift anywhere.
Place the piece into in the oven for five to seven minutes. You may want to experiment with timing to get the best result.
Take the piece out of the oven and carefully remove the paper. You'll see your bright image.
Place the piece back into the oven and complete the full baking time. Let the piece cool in the oven. The result will be a brightly colored transfer that will be water proof.
Paint a gold halo around your child's head on the angel ornament.
Insert a piece of gold ribbon and tie at the ends.

Repeat the process for as many children as you have and have each child wrap and present their gift to Grandma.

*Remember, your final transfer will only be as good as the picture you use. If your photo or picture print is dull, then your transfer will be also.

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A Thanksgiving Poem

When the leaves of Autumn colors
Have all fallen to ground,
When the wind that
soars around us
Feels brisk upon our cheeks,
When the thoughts of loved ones gathering
Warms our hearts sufficiently,
It’s time to bow our heads
And thank the Lord for all we have.

When the table is set
In it’s holiday best,
When the aromas of the cooking feast
Fill the home to its very tip,
When the turkey is roasted
And the hostess calls us in,
It’s time to bow our heads
And thank the Lord for all we have.

When our appetites are satisfied
And we’re all talked out,
When the laughter has calmed
And the dishes have been cleared,
When the children are tired
And we say our goodbyes,
It’s time to bow our heads
And thank the Lord for all we have.

When a new day has dawned
And we reflect on our Thanksgiving Day,
When a new day has dawned
And we have thanked the Lord for all we have,
When this day has dawned
It‘s time to ask the Lord,
Have we done enough to share
All we have with all those in need.

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New! Inspirational Thanksgiving Decor & Hostess Gifts

Inspirational messages on Thanksgiving home decor items and unique hostess gifts fill the home with God's blessings as we celebrate all for which we are thankful. A loving gift for your Thanksgiving hostess.
Whether it's your wife, mom or sister, your Thanksgiving hostess will feel your love and appreciation when you give this God Bless Our Family Photo Frame with gold foil scripture and walnut frame with your favorite Thanksgiving family photo inside.
A gentle inspiration, "Be Thankful Always" upon a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Candle Holder will help the entire family remember their many blessings. Just add your own scented votive candles and you have the perfect finishing touch for your Thanksgiving home decor.

A beautiful Fall Harvest Angel adds an angelic touch to your Thanksgiving decor. She will remind us that it is a divine blessing to partake of the bounty of the harvest.

Honor your Thanksgiving hostess, or all the women in your family, with this Thank God Bracelet.

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