"... The Feast of Epiphany marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas, a reminder that Christ is the light of the world. This image of light coming into the world was proclaimed in Isaiah to describe the exiles return from the darkness of captivity in Babylon. The prophet calls those in Jerusalem to look up and see that the time of salvation has come at last. This is the dawn of a new age, with the light of God’s glory glowing like a beacon. “Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. “

Two thousand years ago, ‘the three Magi’s gifts’ of frankincense and myrrh, land gold were worth (in today’s equivalent) six hundred, five hundred, and four thousand dollars per pound respectively. Today, frankincense and myrrh would be worth fifteen dollars, and gold would be worth six or seven thousand dollars in our economy.

The Magi celebrated the Christ child with the most valuable items in the ancient world. These gifts had not only monetary value, but were gifts of health and healing, and long life, as they were prized as curative medicines in the ancient world.

Frankincense and myrrh are both resins that come from wounds in the bark of tress that grow only in northeast Africa and southern Arabia. In the first century frankincense resin was considered divine and could only be gathered by who could refrain from ‘impure acts. No wonder the whole civilized world at Jesus’ time was begging for frankincense as both a fragrance and a medicine that cured everything from bad breath to skin infections. Modern researchers have discovered that frankincense has wonderful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a useful dressing as well as being a bronchial dilator that helps in lung infections and asthma.

Myrrh’s value in the ancient world even greater. A drop of myrrh could double the price of cheaper perfumes and Egyptians used myrrh to embalm royal mummies. Myrrh was prescribed for a wide range of ailments and was a cure for diaper rash, baldness, obesity, and used for anesthetic (Jesus was given wine mixed with myrrh, on the cross) and also could prolong life.

Gold, considered one of nature’s most perfect substances, was always believed to harbor supernatural healing powers. Today, gold injections help people with rheumatoid arthritis. These gifts given at Christmastide, by the Magi, affirmed Jesus personal gifts, his insights, his connections with God, his knowledge, and his charisma.

What equivalent to frankincense, gold and myrrh could we offer to others this Christmastide, to demonstrate the enriching, healing, transformative presence Christ’s birth brings into the world? Just as the Magi offered their gifts quietly, why should we not consider practicing a kind of ‘gifting in the coming year that has the power to transform the world?

‘GOODNESS’ There is a new ‘underground ‘ movement in society, penned by people inspired by the phrase, “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty’

At first glance you probably are saying, that’s too easy. Last week, as we were driving downtown, the accumulated snow on the roof of our car shifted and covered the front windshield, at the corner of Lake Washington and Madison. Kate our daughter jumped out to clean the windshield off, and a lady standing at the bus stop, and waving a $50 bill jumped off the curb too, and began to help, saying, I’ll give you $50 to take me downtown to catch the bus. Windshield cleared, we took her with us, and she told us her life story in the next 15 minutes. I dropped our guest, Kate and Pat off at 6th & Pike under the cover of the Washington Convention and Trade Center. In her gratitude. The woman ran back and gave Kate a ‘Starbucks card’

In the midst of the ‘snowstorms’ Rev. Catherine Fransson, sent us a ‘note about the Christmas Eve Service, saying ‘let’s be gentle with each other’ ..."