By Yasmin Felix-Alcordo
One of the most frequent asked questions in a beauty contest is “What is the essence of a woman?” And the most frequent answer would be, “Bearing and nurturing a child in the womb.” Perceiving the jubilant faces of hundreds or thousands or even millions of expectant women around the world— the answer speaks for itself. But the feeling was not mutual with Mary . When the angel of God announced to her that she will conceive a child, Mary was troubled, afraid and astonished as she asked “How will this be, I am a virgin.” {Luke 1:34} Maybe, she was also thinking about her forthcoming betrothal to Joseph. Yet obedient as she was, after hearing the explanation of the angel, she said “I am your servant, may it be unto me as you have said.” {Luke 1:38} Thus, the first Christmas happened more than two-thousand years ago— born the Christ, the Savior, the child named Jesus—the best gift mankind ever had.
All of us in one way or another, expect a gift during Christmas. Mine happened months ago. It was such a casual talk between me and Veronica Young after the saturation drive for CIBAC. She asked me if I could help her come-up with a newsletter, which will promote or tackle the activities of the soon to be launched Fasting Intercession Team, a sub - ministry of WIN which she is the coordinator. Immediately, I said yes, made the lay-out ,including the articles and topics that will comprise the paper. The newsletter originally intended solely for FIT was named Faithfully Fit, which was changed to INCENSE, a suggestion from Arlene Bulala now our associate editor.
Incense- NIV( New International Version) bible defines it as a collection of spices that is burned to worship God. It produces a sweet smell( Exodus 30 : 1-10 and Mathew 2: 7-12). “These spices could be the prayers and circumstances that we bring and offer before Him.” Arlene reiterates. The purpose of Incense as a paper is to glorify God and win souls for His kingdom through the written genre. A ministry which is a gift for me, whom after heeding numerous altar calls of commitment and restoration, still unsure of what ministry to be involved with, for Arlene whom even in her college days dreamt of a newsletter an endeavor –inked byGod, for Veron whose thirst to learn something new, never ceases, and for the rest of the staff to be used by God aside from their other ministries.
Every issue of Incense is a struggle, an activity of trial and error because of our limited time, limited resources, limited knowledge in the field of journalism , limited skills of the English language and unresolved inner and personal conflicts. Serving the Lord through Incense is a bittersweet experience. A true gift from God.
This Christmas issue is not devoid of such struggles. Motivation is at the lowest ebb, resulting to almost abandoning the paper. However, a spark of inspiration happened just like Archimedes, as he exclaimed Eureka! - upon discovering the method of the purity of gold—ideas shoot-up , assigned articles pour in.
It is always a delight to read the contribution of every staff and contributor. All articles are meaningful, uplifting to the soul, inspiring and enlightening. Isn’t Christmas all about those things? Truly, one attribute of Christmas is surprises.
As we immerse ourselves in the physical celebration of the birth of Jesus, let us remember the first Christmas, so simple yet so glorious that even a great company of heavenly host together with the angels sang: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (Luke 2:13-14} Let us also remember the three wise men who traveled from a very far distance, with only the star as their guide, with the purpose of delivering their gifts and to worship the new-born child Jesus.
Yes, God has done His part, He has bestowed the world His most precious gift, His son Jesus. In fact, the birth of Jesus is the starting point of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. In return, all we have to do is to accept the Gift, and as our gift to Him, we give ourselves, our purpose , our adorations, our life.
One of the most frequent asked questions in a beauty contest is “What is the essence of a woman?” And the most frequent answer would be, “Bearing and nurturing a child in the womb.” Perceiving the jubilant faces of hundreds or thousands or even millions of expectant women around the world— the answer speaks for itself. But the feeling was not mutual with Mary . When the angel of God announced to her that she will conceive a child, Mary was troubled, afraid and astonished as she asked “How will this be, I am a virgin.” {Luke 1:34} Maybe, she was also thinking about her forthcoming betrothal to Joseph. Yet obedient as she was, after hearing the explanation of the angel, she said “I am your servant, may it be unto me as you have said.” {Luke 1:38} Thus, the first Christmas happened more than two-thousand years ago— born the Christ, the Savior, the child named Jesus—the best gift mankind ever had.
All of us in one way or another, expect a gift during Christmas. Mine happened months ago. It was such a casual talk between me and Veronica Young after the saturation drive for CIBAC. She asked me if I could help her come-up with a newsletter, which will promote or tackle the activities of the soon to be launched Fasting Intercession Team, a sub - ministry of WIN which she is the coordinator. Immediately, I said yes, made the lay-out ,including the articles and topics that will comprise the paper. The newsletter originally intended solely for FIT was named Faithfully Fit, which was changed to INCENSE, a suggestion from Arlene Bulala now our associate editor.
Incense- NIV( New International Version) bible defines it as a collection of spices that is burned to worship God. It produces a sweet smell( Exodus 30 : 1-10 and Mathew 2: 7-12). “These spices could be the prayers and circumstances that we bring and offer before Him.” Arlene reiterates. The purpose of Incense as a paper is to glorify God and win souls for His kingdom through the written genre. A ministry which is a gift for me, whom after heeding numerous altar calls of commitment and restoration, still unsure of what ministry to be involved with, for Arlene whom even in her college days dreamt of a newsletter an endeavor –inked byGod, for Veron whose thirst to learn something new, never ceases, and for the rest of the staff to be used by God aside from their other ministries.
Every issue of Incense is a struggle, an activity of trial and error because of our limited time, limited resources, limited knowledge in the field of journalism , limited skills of the English language and unresolved inner and personal conflicts. Serving the Lord through Incense is a bittersweet experience. A true gift from God.
This Christmas issue is not devoid of such struggles. Motivation is at the lowest ebb, resulting to almost abandoning the paper. However, a spark of inspiration happened just like Archimedes, as he exclaimed Eureka! - upon discovering the method of the purity of gold—ideas shoot-up , assigned articles pour in.
It is always a delight to read the contribution of every staff and contributor. All articles are meaningful, uplifting to the soul, inspiring and enlightening. Isn’t Christmas all about those things? Truly, one attribute of Christmas is surprises.
As we immerse ourselves in the physical celebration of the birth of Jesus, let us remember the first Christmas, so simple yet so glorious that even a great company of heavenly host together with the angels sang: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (Luke 2:13-14} Let us also remember the three wise men who traveled from a very far distance, with only the star as their guide, with the purpose of delivering their gifts and to worship the new-born child Jesus.
Yes, God has done His part, He has bestowed the world His most precious gift, His son Jesus. In fact, the birth of Jesus is the starting point of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. In return, all we have to do is to accept the Gift, and as our gift to Him, we give ourselves, our purpose , our adorations, our life.
Indeed, It’s gift-giving time!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Published on INCENSE Vol.I, Issue 3, December 2007
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