Sanctity of Life

Gavin (my son) in the womb at 18 weeks
(one of the twins)

As a society, we tend to get so passionate about animal activism..."save the animals!" There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to protect an endangered species. I myself get appalled in situations of animal cruelty. However, which is more important: a human life or an animal? That answer will vary depending on who you speak with. My solid belief is that the top priority is the human. You will see just a snippet of evidence below in regards to why Christ-followers believe an unborn child is a human life. What do YOU put more emphasis on? What do YOU  post more about on social networking sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.)? Protecting ALL forms of human life should be a passion of every professing Christ-follower. Activism and awareness is an important step in defending these precious lives, as long as it is done in love.

But the question of so many is this:

Is a "fetus" a life?

Check out this description from the Association of Pro-Life Physicians:

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"A scientific textbook called Basics of Biology gives five characteristics of living things; these five criteria are found in all modern elementary scientific textbooks:

1. Living things are highly organized.

2. All living things have an ability to acquire materials and energy.

3. All living things have an ability to respond to their environment.

4. All living things have an ability to reproduce.

5. All living things have an ability to adapt.

According to this elementary definition of life, life begins at fertilization, when a sperm unites with an oocyte. From this moment, the being is highly organized, has the ability to acquire materials and energy, has the ability to respond to his or her environment, has the ability to adapt, and has the ability to reproduce (the cells divide, then divide again, etc., and barring pathology and pending reproductive maturity has the potential to reproduce other members of the species). Non-living things do not do these things. Even before the mother is aware that she is pregnant, a distinct, unique life has begun his or her existence inside her."

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Here are some heartbreaking facts:

There have been more than 53 MILLION abortions sense Roe v. Wade in 1973.

There are 1 MILLION abortions performed every year.

Every single day, more than 3,000 babies are killed through abortion.

Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger, said the following:
“The most merciful thing that a family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.”

Planned Parenthood performs more than 300,000 abortions every year.

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If you still aren't convinced, let me try to pluck your heart strings one last time. Abby Johnson is a former director of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. Her heart was miraculously changed by God, and she is now living the calling of bringing about awareness of how corrupt and biblically wrong the abortion industry is. She posted a wonderful argument against abortion just the other day on her Facebook fan page.

"I hear some people say that while they don't support abortion, they would still take their friends or loved ones to have an abortion. 

What if your friend came to you and said, "Look, I'm just so tired of being a mom. I can't afford it anymore and it is totally draining me. I am going to drown my two year old son this weekend and I was wondering if you could come over and help me." Would you do it? Probably not. 

Humanity begins at conception. It does not begin when it is convenient for the mother. It does not begin when that unborn child can feel pain. The moment that we realize that all life has equal value (born and unborn), then we will be able to really win this battle."

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Many may feel helpless about the situation, feeling it is out of hand. "What can I do," you may ask.

Be a VOICE. You have been called by God to be a VOICE.

Psalm 82:3-4 

Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 31:8-9 

Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

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We all choose paths sometimes that we wish we could turn back on and change. Maybe you've been down this dark path with a friend or you yourself have been there. There is hope. There is healing through a forgiving and loving Savior. It takes work on our end. It takes time.

There are crisis pregnancy centers in just about every county in the country. These wonderful safe-havens are 100% confidential and usually provide abortion-recovery services. If they do not currently provide this service, they would be glad to refer you to someone who can help further. You will be set free by God's healing in your life! These wonderful crisis pregnancy clinics are simply an asset in that healing process. Please take advantage of such a wonderful resource.

If you are in this area, there is an abortion recovery class at Sav-a-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center (in Calhoun County) that is completely confidential. We have seen ladies restored through Christ's healing through this group! If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me via message or contact Sav-a-Life directly (Anniston Office, 256-237-9999) - no judgement from me or these wonderful volunteers at Sav-a-Life.

I, too, have made mistakes. God sees all our sins the same. I simply desire to help you see God's healing through it, as well as share the facts with others so that they do not choose this path.

"Let Me Recommend this New Remedy...."

For the chronically-ill, we hear these words come from well-meaning friends on too frequent of occasions. It's sometimes hard to not respond (especially on trying days) regarding the harsh reality of what we experience day-in and day-out to even begin to cope with the pain...with the discomfort...with the symptoms of the chronic illness we each face individually. For my friends, I would like to share with you my insight as to why offering advice on new medical treatment and remedies is not popular among those of us with chronic illness. In addition, I will address how the chronically ill are encouraged to respond - with grace.

From a friend or family member's point of view, the individual offering medical advice (new treatments/remedies) is usually always doing so to attempt to improve the quality of life of the one suffering from a chronic illness. On occasion, I have had the rare offer from "friends" that are selling a product and claim to be offering the remedy to me in order to be of help (but at a cost, and at a profit to them - with no personal contact or interest in my personal life prior to this business offer). I also personally experience a constant presence of strangers who feel they must share their opinion on the "latest and greatest" in the medical field.

You might ask "why don't you want to hear what I have to say? After all, it can't hurt, right?"

Unfortunately, I usually have to "hear what you have to say". I try to be nice about the situation. I attempt to handle frustrations like this with grace. It is still an annoyance, however.

I have a wonderful specialist who is knowledgeable in all the cutting edge treatments and remedies for my particular diagnoses. Even better - he treats my conditions on a normal basis...he knows what medications I take...he knows my medical history. I trust my doctor. He has the credentials to give me medical advice. Others do not.

For the chronically ill, the biggest question is that of how to respond with grace and dignity...a response that would get the message across, yet reflects Christ.
Let's just be honest - responding to unwanted medical advice (from someone other than a medical professional) can be very difficult. It takes strength to respond with grace. Anyone who has been there can understand.

I have found a few sayings to be very helpful when people mention remedies or advice.
"Thank you, but my specialist and I have a treatment plan that I feel is the best route right now."
"Thank you. I've been doing a lot of research as well."

For the friend and family members of those with chronic illness, the lesson is simple.
This advice can go for strangers, too. If you feel that you have valid advice that should be shared, don't do so without the other's permission. Ask. If they gently decline, don't be offended. Even so, be sure that the advice you feel is "valid" is indeed that - if it is not, the person who is chronically ill may never want to hear you out again when it comes to medical advice. Also remember that a treatment option that worked for you doesn't work for everybody. More than likely, it's already been discussed and/or tried through a team of medical professionals and the patient.

If you want to be a help to your chronically-ill friend, offer a day with some quality time with them, offer to do some housework/chores/yard work, etc. I guarantee you that your offer of help will be seen as a genuine act of compassion and love - a far cry from offering a tid-bit of unwanted advice.

From the Heart of an Improving Wife

It's that "dreaded" holiday of the year for many - VALENTINE'S DAY! Others absolutely adore this holiday - they can't wait to get their beloved that unforgettable gift of the year.

For Rence (my Hubby) and I, we take the holiday very lightly - no gifts, but we usually write each other a short note saying those sweet things about one another that most married couples do.

But aside from the typical "celebration" plans of the day, I wanted to share candidly something I've been working on as a special "project" for my husband this year. Yes, he already knows about it, but he is very excited with the place I'm at and where I'm going - I'm not physically going anywhere. I've committed to improve myself as a wife as a special project for the months of February and March. I always want to be improving as a wife - but this journey is going to be even more in-depth than my usual.

I can't help but share several of the things I've discovered.

1. In order to be a Godly wife, I need to minister first and foremost to my husband. 

God knew the need for a wife in marriage from the beginning of creation.

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, 

“It is not good for the man to be alone. 

I will make a helper suitable for him.”

What is our purpose/mission as wives? 

Proverbs 31:10-12, 17, 28

10 

A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.

11 

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 

She brings him good, not harm,  all the days of her life.

17 

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

28 

Her children arise and call her blessed;  her husband also, and he praises her:

29 

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Daily Tasks/Mothering:
For me (a stay-at-home Mom), this includes doing the housework so he can come home to a fairly orderly house (as much as possible), making dinner as much as possible, taking care of the children when it's my responsibility, making wise financial choices, etc.

For others, they are called to be "missionaries" at a workplace daily and come home to their families/husbands in the evening. The bottom line is that we are to make sure we are doing all we can to help out at home, financially, etc. (he should be helping some, too, ladies).

Romancing my Husband:
Spouses must make time together a priority in our marriages (my husband and I will always be working on this, especially with kids in the mix). How?

1. In-house date nights: For instance, wait until the kids are asleep and pop in a movie and a bag of popcorn and cuddle on the couch.

2. "Out-on-the-Town" date nights: Babysitter!!! Woohoo!! ;)

3. Lastly, the "I" word - yes, the intimacy: It is a beautiful thing inside the marriage covenant, and it is one of the main ingredients for a healthy marriage. Again, this can be a struggle for us, considering the children in the mix and the fact that I have chronic illness. I don't feel well a lot of occasions, which is a common struggle for all of the chronically ill. We are overcoming these battles one step at a time. God is good, and He has a purpose for it all.

When I am fulfilling any of my God-given tasks, my attitude should be focused on the positive and I should be joyful. For instance, the Proverbs 31 Woman tells to keep our attitude in focus. In verses 10-31, she "works in delight","senses her gain is good, and even "smiles at the future" (we don't know what her circumstances were, but most of us can say that it is hard at times to "smile at the future"). As we see in this entire passage (v. 10-31), being cheerful comes much more naturally when we keep our minds on the eternal.

2. I must be open to guidance and correction.

It's always hard to listen to someone (especially the one you know most intimately on earth) talk to you about an area in your life that might be able to use some TLC (tender loving care).

One of the beautiful things about a relationship is the ability to refine one another - if we, together, are "equally yoked" (both of us are followers of Christ and on the same spiritual level), then we are able to sharpen one another's character, just as two strong metals sharpen each other.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens another.

So how do we go about correcting one another or accepting correction?

Proverbs 13:18
But he who regards reproof will be honored.

Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

I love how Martha Peace explains when we should correct our spouse and how we should respond to reproof in her book, The Excellent Wife:

"A biblical reproof is telling someone what they are doing wrong with the intent to restore them to a right relationship with God (see Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1). How you respond to your husband's reproof is a reflection of your desire to become more godly (see Proverbs 15:28)."

3. Where I am at personally in my relationship with God affects how I interact with my husband in a positive manner.

When I am more spiritually in-tune with the Holy Spirit (which gives us discernment of right vs. wrong), I am automatically (more times than not) reminded of how I need to treat my husband - with dignity and respect.

4. My husband deserves my utmost respect, no matter who is watching, what he has done or how I am feeling - that can be difficult. 

Proverbs 12:4

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

It's sometimes easy to fall in line as a group of ladies eagerly share about their husband's latest "funny". Respecting our husbands includes trust....trust that we won't go "blab" about his latest plumbing mishap to the neighborhood clan of Momma's or wives at the local coffee shop. It only takes one opportunity to break a strong strand of trust. I think we've all spent some time re-weaving strands of trust with someone in our lives, and it's certainly not an easy job.

4. Forgiveness makes for a stronger marriage.

Forgiveness is the ultimate picture of love - it is what Christ accomplished as His earthly mission that took place on a cross called Calvary. Many times, this can be the hardest step in any relationship - friend, family or mate.

Matthew 6:15

But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Colossians 3:13

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

5. I married a strong man. But even the strongest of men have weaknesses. I married all of him - weaknesses included. Keep grace in sight.

I am a wife with plenty of shortcomings. I want him to handle my shortcomings in a graceful manner. I am so grateful to have married a man with so many strengths. But no matter how strong we seem or perceive ourselves to be, we are all flawed by sin. We are a continual work-in-progress until we meet our Maker. I pray that I keep grace in beautiful balance in my marriage as we deal with all situations, but especially our shortcomings.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 Corinthians 8:7

But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 Peter 3:7

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Lord, help me carry out these goals in my daily living and in witness of my family this year and thereafter. Some of these goals are tough - forgiving others...grace... Father, I know that I can overcome through You! I pray that these goals would inspire other young ladies to join me in this journey of becoming better wives. I praise You for stirring my heart to become a better, more godly wife than I am today. I pray in Your Precious Name, Amen. 

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There are several books I have been able to read and found extremely insightful in terms of the Christian marriage and the struggles we all face from our human nature of sin. Below are several that were most helpful for me and spiritually in-line with God's word:

His Needs Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage
by William F. Harley, Jr.

The Excellent Wife
by Martha Peace (for the Wife)

The Exemplary Husband
by Stuart Scott (for the Husband)

What's It Like to Be Married to Me? and Other Dangerous Questions
by Linda Dillow

The Great Physician

I've found an answer to my ILLNESS!!! I have found HEALING!!!

I don't know about you, but I get stoked about the complete healing Jesus has brought to my life! My body may fail, my physical weaknesses may multiply, but God promises us spiritual healing that brings a supernatural and indescribable peace, strength, comfort, and so much more. He gives us all of this when we choose to let Him rule over our lives. If we received healing to a physical illness through a cure, wouldn't we tell the world how to access that cure - through social media, in person, and in any way that would be a help to others? So why do we keep silent when it comes to the spiritual healing Christ has brought us?

Application: Lets encourage one another to speak out to the world about how Christ has changed our life. How has He mended your "feeble arms" and "weak knees" (Heb. 12:12-13)? 

Hebrews 12:12-13 - Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Advent Calendar (on the Christmas Story from the Bible)

The Christmas season is my favorite season of the year. It's the joyous time of the year when we celebrate our Savior's humble birth. As a parent, my priority in life is to share the stories and life of Christ with my children. The Christmas season has become so cluttered with activities and false priorities that are not centered around the meaning of the season. This Advent calendar is just one way of instilling just a piece of the Christmas story and taking the focus away from Santa and back to whom the credit deserves - our Savior.

I had desired to do an Advent Calendar, but had no clue where to start. I searched the creative side of my brain (a.k.a. - Pinterest) and stumbled upon a great tutorial for this Advent Calendar from www.howsweeteritis.blogspot.com. I adjusted the format of the print-out (below), but the text is verbatim. I also got creative with how I would like to store the Advent Calendar and the items for each day. I decided on the ease of a craft box from the craft section of Walmart ($7, 30 non-adjustable sections). This item can be found year-round. Hobby Lobby carries a standard 25-compartment box (1 large piece with 25 small sliding compartments) that is in stock only in the Christmas season. There are other thrifty ideas on Pinterest on how to create your own Advent Calendar box (using matchboxes, etc.).

The scripture for the corresponding day and symbol/item is cut and place into that box (ex: 2. Two gold rings, Mary & Joseph's engagement, Matthew 1:18 - would be placed into day 2/box 2. In that box would be 2 gold rings.). 

The scripture for the corresponding day and symbol/item is cut and place into that box (ex: 2. Two gold rings, Mary & Joseph's engagement, Matthew 1:18 - would be placed into day 2/box 2. In that box would be 2 gold rings.). 

"Copy" and "paste" the following into a Word/Open Office document, for instance, re-size/re-format to your desire and print:

1. Angel wings, "halos", picture of an angel (ex: clipart)

(Angel Gabriel)

Luke 1:26-28, 31

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 

2. Two gold rings 

(Mary & Joseph's engagement)

Matthew 1:18

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

3. Shrunken sheet music/music notes 

(Mary's song)

Luke 1:46-55

⁴⁶ And Mary said:

 “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;  he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. ⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful ⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

4. White satin or organza/Guardian angel 

(Angel)

Matthew 1:20

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

5. Cross 

(Salvation through Jesus' sacrifice)

Matthew 1:21

²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

6. Bridge or string 

(Jesus bridged the divide between Heaven and sinfulness (on earth))

Matthew 1:22-23

² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

7. Star of David/house/chain 

(House and line/chain of David & Jesus' genealogy)

Luke 2:4

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

8. Donkey or horse 

(Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem)

Luke 2:5

⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

9. Lion or Purple Cloth 

(Lion represents house of Judah; purple cloth indicates royalty)

Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

10. Baby 

(Baby Jesus)

Luke 2:6-7

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

11. Piece of soft cloth 

(Swaddling blanket)

Luke 2:7

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

12. Peace Sign 

(Jesus is the Prince of Peace)

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

13. Wool/stuffing/shepherd's staff 

(Sheep/shepherds)

Luke 2:8-11

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

14. Pieces of straw, hay, or dead grass 

(Manger)

Luke 2:12

¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

15. Many gold "halos" 

(Multitude of angels)

Luke 2:13-14

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

16. Jingle Bells 

(Spreading the word and carrying the message to others)

Luke 2:15-18

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

17. Dirt or rocks 

(Kneeling on the ground - our right response to Jesus as God)

Psalm 95:6-7

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; ⁷ for he is our God

and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

18. Heart 

(The emotions Mary as Jesus' mother)

Luke 2:19-20, 33-35

¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. ³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

19. The Name of Jesus 

(The name "Jesus" is the Greek form of "Joshua", which means "The Lord saves")

Luke 2:21

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

20. Two doves or feathers 

(Sacrifice of doves by Joseph and Mary; the Holy Spirit is like a dove at his baptism later in life - see v. 21)

Luke 2:22-24

²² When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Luke 3:21-22

 ²¹ When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

21. Googly eyes/ Mr. Potato Head eyes 

(Revelation of Jesus as Christ the Savior to Simeon and to all people)

Luke 2:25-32

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. ³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

22. Small book or scroll 

(Knowledge and wisdom of the Magi)

Matthew 2:1

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.

23. Crowns, rhinestones, jewels, throne, or purple cloth 

(Jesus is King of Kings)

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

24. Star 

(Star that the Magi followed)

Matthew 2:9-10

⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

25. Three gift boxes/picture(s) of gold, frankincense, myrrh 

(Gifts from the Magi to Jesus)

Matthew 2:11

¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.