3 gifts on Thursday

I prayed about this post today, wrestled over the gifts to give on this Thursday before we celebrate God's immortal-clothed-in-mortal entry into this world. After toying with a few ideas, I realized there are no gifts I can give which are greater than the ones He already has given...the gifts of His Word, telling the story of this God birth. (And isn't it funny, that though there are four gospels, perfectly three of them tell this natal story...perfect for a post which gives three gifts.)

So I invite you to take some time in the next few days to slowly unwrap what He has given. If these stories are well familiar, consider reading one or all in a new translation or ask God to give you one line to savor. If these straight-from-the-Bible stories are newer to you, take some time to read what He actually says, forgetting what you think you know happens from all those Nativity stories and plays told through the years - the experience is eye-opening.

The links within these gifts are to the NIV 1984 edition of the Bible (my favorite as it was my first encounter with God's Word) at biblegateway.com if you like reading online and love checking out other translations. May God give you new revelation of Himself this Christmas...rejoice! 

 For previous 3 Gifts installments, click here. If you would like to have a "gift" featured in this series, please see the bottom of this post for details.

1. the Gift of Matthew

Reading for Chapters 1-2. Have you ever noticed how Matthew's genealogy names five woman? Reading their five stories is a blessing too.



2. the Gift of Luke
Reading for Chapters 1-2.



3. the Gift of John
Reading for Chapter 1:1-18.

If you have a "gift" you'd like me to consider wrapping into a 3 Gifts on Thursday package, please email me the details. It can be anything you are hosting or have heard about: from a giveaways to service projects, household/parenting tips, resources, promotions/coupon codes, items such as books, music, movies, etc (ones available for purchase online). If I choose to incorporate your gift suggestion into a 3 Gifts post, I will email you to let you know when it will be featured.