Light for Living began as a writing
ministry of Pastor Gary Click while pastoring the Calvary Baptist Church in
Clinton, IN. His articles were published in the local newspaper, The Daily
Clintonian. They were also distributed to email subscribers and several were
posted on this website.
Shortly after
assuming the pastorate of the Fremont Baptist Temple, Fremont, OH, he was
approached by Pastor James Lewis and chief operator, Brian Benedict about
providing a two thirty-minute Radio Programs for the weekend. (WHVT
90.5 fm) At this point, Pastor Click's writing ministry transformed into a
radio ministry.
Due to time constrains, the
weekly devotional gave way to the radio ministry. However, these devotionals are
still available online through the Light for Living Archives.
Pastor
Click is still active in writing bible studies, dramas and devotional articles
for other applications. We hope to make those resources available soon.
If you are like most people, there is at least one person on your Christmas list who is difficult to buy for. Imagine the dilemma that Annoson, Allytar and Kyssad must have found themselves in. According to Ethiopian tradition these were the three wise men that brought gifts to the infant King. What gift would you have brought to baby Jesus?
Annoson, it is believed, brought the gift of gold. I can think of no gift more appropriate for a king. This wise man was acknowledging Jesus as the King of kings. As a King, Jesus deserves our loyalty and submission. A king has absolute power. When Annoson brought the gift of gold to Jesus, he was saying, "You are my King. I give you my loyalty and obedience."
The gift of frankincense was presented by one called Allytar. When reading through the second chapter of Leviticus you will notice that frankincense was a prime ingredient used in the meat offerings. This was an offering of thanksgiving. Don't you find it appropriate that the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving, leading to Christmas, followed by the New Year? Through this our hearts are prepared to be thankful for Jesus Christ who provides us with a new beginning.
In your reading you will also notice that this sacrifice was a sweet savor unto God. Have you ever taken the time to offer Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving?
You may also find it interesting that frankincense was forbidden to be used in a sin offering. Frankincense could have no association with sin. As you know our Savior was without sin. Leviticus 5:11,15.
Finally, Kyssad presented Jesus with myrrh. It is worth noting that myrrh was both His first and last gift. Myrrh was a special ointment used in burial. It was presented to Him first by Kyssad and later by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea. John 19:38,39.
The gift of myrrh represents the suffering and sacrificial death of our Savior. Just as myrrh has a sweet smell and a bitter taste, we find the cross to be a bitter sweet experience. Very few Christians can read the account of the crucifixion without being moved by the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf. Yet, it was His sacrifice that provides eternal life for those who believe.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, what gifts will you offer to the King? You would be wise to follow the example of these men. Give Him your loyalty and submission as King. Offer Him your praise and thanksgiving for what He has done. Present Him with repentance and find the forgiveness that is available to you because of His sacrificial death on the cross.
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11
