The Essence of Christmas: The Best Gift to Mankind

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.

Indeed, It’s gift-giving time!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Published on INCENSE Vol.I, Issue 3, December 2007

OVERCOMING ADVERSITIES TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

Published on INCENSE Vol. I, Issue 2, September 2007

By Yasmin Felix-Alcordo

Michael Jordan’s high school coach told him he was not good enough to play basketball. He was very hurt when he failed to be in the team during his sophomore year. The image of the team roster on the locker room door without his name spurred him. So, he practiced for hours determined to make it. Today, the 6-foot 6-inch former Chicago Bulls star is considered he greatest player in basketball history.

Oprah Winfrey’s childhood was anything but privileged or happy. She was female, black, and born to very poor, unwed teenaged parents. She was raped by a cousin at age 9, and later molested by a friend of her mother’s and an uncle,. And gave birth to a stillborn baby at the age of 14. Fortunately, she went to live with her father who instilled discipline and encourage her to be her best. She became a reporter for a radio station at the age of 19-her first job-and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Oprah is a global icon, one of the most powerful women in the world.

Job was very rich, happy and blessed with healthy sons and daughters. He was a master of many servants, owner of vast plantations and herds. Until the hand of the devourer touched everything that he had. His children and servants were killed, his plantation were burned, animals were stolen, his body was afflicted with boils from head to his soles. His friends and worst his wife deserted him. Yet, despite of the tribulations Job remained as faithful as he was, praying but never questioning the will of the Lord as he said “ the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised”. [Job 3:21b]. In the course of his trials Job’s faith was unfazed. Therefore God rewarded him by giving back more than what he had before. Again Job became richer, had sons and daughters and lived full of years.

The Apostle Paul was a man of influence, a member of the elite Sanhedrin. He had the power to destroy life and even approved the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1a). Until he met the Lord on his way to Damascus. Paul became blind and was healed by the people whom he planned to kill. The encounter totally changed his life from the persecutor to the persecuted. He left a life of affluence, experienced getting hungry, hunted, put to prison because of his zealousness for his newfound faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s drive for excellence never falter until the end of his life.

JIL– Sun Valley had a very humble beginning. The church started in a small prayer meeting in Villa Paraiso with 5 to 10 attendees, expanded to a cell group in the backyard of the Manalo family in Edison. Until eventually, a church made of nipa was built in Villa Paraiso. Today, JIL-Sun Valley church continues to strive to please God through changed lives, excellent worship and pure service worthy of the calling entrusted by God Almighty for the fulfillment of His plan in this place.

What do Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Job, Apostle Paul and JIL-Sun Valley have in common? They strive to excel still more! Each did not stop in the middle of the race, but continue to be the best so that excellence will be attained in perfect time.

Let the Glory of God manifest in all of us as we tread a life worthy to be called His followers.
Happy Excellent 12th Years Thanksgiving Day!

THE EDITOR'S NOTE

Published on INCENSE, Vol. I, Maiden Issue, July 2007

By Yasmine Felix-Alcordo


The launching of Fasting Intercessors’ Team (FIT) is another milestone for the growing JIL Church, Sun Valley Chapter. Under the auspices of Pastors Joemer Cahayon, Noemi Aguilar and WIN Coordinator Veronica Young, FIT aims to encourage each member to pray and fast without ceasing, for we fully know that in praying and fasting God performs miracles of healing and deliverance, grants wishes according to His will and many more. In line with launching of FIT, Incense is born.

Incense is conceived to Glorify the Almighty God through encouraging insights, useful information, inspiring features, healthy recreations, among others. It is also a good venue to showcase talents in writing and other creative endeavors not only of the workers but for the congregation as well.
So everyone, welcome, feel free to say your piece. Be a think tank - Contribute to your Incense, and Glorify God. Hallelujah!!!