Author: Scott Humston

Laughter Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning

Hello, Praying Friend!

As the children were filing into the morning assembly at the Bombita School, where I was scheduled to perform that day, the air buzzed with the sound of laughter and chatter — sandals shuffling across dusty concrete floors, uniforms slightly rumpled from the morning’s walk. The school itself is modest, with colorful walls that can’t quite hide the wear of time and weather. But there’s a spirit of hope there — you can feel it in the way the teachers greet the kids by name, in the way the students cling to their notebooks like treasure.

And then, among the sea of little faces, I saw him.

It was Dahian, our sponsored child.

He came in with his class, eyes wide and curious — and I recognized him immediately. He had no idea who I was. No clue that the person about to take the stage was part of the family who had been quietly supporting him from 850 miles away. But I knew him. His photo has been on my stand-up desk for nearly two years — a daily reminder to pray for him and his family, and to keep perspective on what truly matters. That moment — seeing him in person for the very first time — was surreal, emotional, and filled with quiet joy.

This was the smallest of the five schools I performed in during the trip — a humble campus tucked into the edge of the village. But what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in heart. The children were so sweet — wide-eyed, polite, and buzzing with excitement. Many of them had never seen a live show like this before. For some, it was their very first time experiencing the wonder of live show in person.
They sat cross-legged on the concrete, rows of neatly pressed uniforms and eager faces, leaning forward at every illusion, laughing at the silly moments, and gasping at the impossible ones. It was a joy to bring them joy — to use something as simple as sleight of hand to deliver a message of hope and remind them how deeply loved they are.

And in the middle of it all, Dahian — sitting among his classmates, unaware of the deeper connection we shared. Watching him laugh and clap with the others was a gift I didn’t know I needed.

It was also a powerful reminder that the art of wonder speaks across language barriers. Even without shared words, the experience of amazement and delight opens hearts — and sometimes, that’s all the opening God needs.
After the show, as the last few children were heading back to their classrooms, Dahian’s teacher and the school principal gently brought him over to where I was standing — and they introduced him to me properly.

By my side was my daughter, Rachel, who had traveled with me on this trip. She’s sixteen, full of compassion, and has felt a growing call toward missions for some time now. Before we left home, she had carefully packed a shoebox full of fun, thoughtful gifts — crayons, toys, a toothbrush, a ball, and other things a six-year-old boy might enjoy. She had prepared it just for him.

Sharing His Wonder,

What If Your Next KidMin Series Felt Like Stepping into Narnia?
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Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
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Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
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Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
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You can host this event at no cost.

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July 2, 2025
Wonder Opens the Door. You Help Us Step Through It.

Hello, Praying Friend!

As the children were filing into the morning assembly at the Bombita School, where I was scheduled to perform that day, the air buzzed with the sound of laughter and chatter — sandals shuffling across dusty concrete floors, uniforms slightly rumpled from the morning’s walk. The school itself is modest, with colorful walls that can’t quite hide the wear of time and weather. But there’s a spirit of hope there — you can feel it in the way the teachers greet the kids by name, in the way the students cling to their notebooks like treasure.

And then, among the sea of little faces, I saw him.

It was Dahian, our sponsored child.

He came in with his class, eyes wide and curious — and I recognized him immediately. He had no idea who I was. No clue that the person about to take the stage was part of the family who had been quietly supporting him from 850 miles away. But I knew him. His photo has been on my stand-up desk for nearly two years — a daily reminder to pray for him and his family, and to keep perspective on what truly matters. That moment — seeing him in person for the very first time — was surreal, emotional, and filled with quiet joy.

This was the smallest of the five schools I performed in during the trip — a humble campus tucked into the edge of the village. But what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in heart. The children were so sweet — wide-eyed, polite, and buzzing with excitement. Many of them had never seen a live show like this before. For some, it was their very first time experiencing the wonder of live show in person.
They sat cross-legged on the concrete, rows of neatly pressed uniforms and eager faces, leaning forward at every illusion, laughing at the silly moments, and gasping at the impossible ones. It was a joy to bring them joy — to use something as simple as sleight of hand to deliver a message of hope and remind them how deeply loved they are.

And in the middle of it all, Dahian — sitting among his classmates, unaware of the deeper connection we shared. Watching him laugh and clap with the others was a gift I didn’t know I needed.

It was also a powerful reminder that the art of wonder speaks across language barriers. Even without shared words, the experience of amazement and delight opens hearts — and sometimes, that’s all the opening God needs.
After the show, as the last few children were heading back to their classrooms, Dahian’s teacher and the school principal gently brought him over to where I was standing — and they introduced him to me properly.

By my side was my daughter, Rachel, who had traveled with me on this trip. She’s sixteen, full of compassion, and has felt a growing call toward missions for some time now. Before we left home, she had carefully packed a shoebox full of fun, thoughtful gifts — crayons, toys, a toothbrush, a ball, and other things a six-year-old boy might enjoy. She had prepared it just for him.

Sharing His Wonder,

What If Your Next KidMin Series Felt Like Stepping into Narnia?
LEARN MORE
Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
DONATE
Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
LEARN MORE
Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
LEARN MORE
You can host this event at no cost.

LEARN MORE

June 16, 2025
Meeting Dahian – A Story from the Dominican Republic

https://youtube.com/shorts/bgKFthNwCZU?si=P_mrC86UTVGzvnzz
Hello, Praying Friend!

Happy Spring!

I’m sorry I didn’t connect last month! Wow, did March zoom by!
You should have received our 2024 Year In Review early last month. If you haven’t received one, I’d love to ensure you do! It’s a great piece! Please drop us a note at info@scotthumston.com, and we’ll snail mail one.

In March, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic to share the hope of Christ through the art of magic, storytelling, and wonder. I want to take a moment to share a glimpse into what God did — and to thank you for making it possible through your prayers and support.

My Journey with New Missions: How It All Began

I first connected with New Missions when I took my two youngest, Nate & Rachel, to a local church to experience their Laugh All Night event. New Missions raises awareness about the needs of children on the island of Hispaniola through this event.

After the show, I met Tim DeTellis, the president and son of the founders, George & Jeanne DeTellis. Rachel, about ten at the time, asked if we would sponsor a child that evening. (My oldest, Hannah, had sponsored a child years earlier with another organization.) Of course, I told Rachel yes—but she would need to be responsible for earning money each month to send, which she did faithfully for several years until that child dropped from the program, as sometimes happens.

After the event, Tim and I connected in the church’s foyer. I shared what I do, and we made time to connect since we live about 15 minutes apart. We became fast friends. Soon after, I started sharing the stage with Tim and others at the Laugh All Night events.

I perform about a dozen Laugh All Night Comedy Concerts a year with New Missions. I love connecting people with the opportunity to change a child’s life. I treasure using something funny (a comedy magic show!) to address something serious—a child needing food, clothing, and education.

In February of this year, I popped up to Crossroads Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with Tim, and we hosted a Laugh All Night for the first time there—we had a great crowd, and ten children were sponsored! I love that!

A New Chapter: Dominican Republic

New Missions has been on the island of Hispaniola for over forty years. The country of Haiti is on one end, and the Dominican Republic is on the other, separated by a beautiful mountain range.

Although their work continues in Haiti, due to the ongoing violence in the capital, New Missions currently cannot safely get mission teams from America in and out of the country. However, they can host mission teams in the Dominican Republic.

Tim invited me last year to come to the Dominican Republic in the last week of March this year to see the mission work taking place and to share my talents with the kids and teachers in their schools.

On March 24th, my youngest daughter Rachel and I flew from Miami to Puerto Plata. From the airport, it was just a fifteen-minute drive to the town of Sosua. Located directly on the coast, Sosua is a small town overwhelmed with traffic—mostly motorcycles. Like many places in the Caribbean, it has beautiful people and fantastic ocean views, yet also chaos, confusion, and pollution in its streets.

Rachel and I spent four days doing events at five New Missions-sponsored schools. We joined a group from First Baptist Bentonville, Arkansas, as they led VBS-style events at three of the schools.

We performed at five schools where children filled every seat—and some stood around the edges just to catch a glimpse. Through laughter and wonder, we shared the love of Christ with students who may have never before heard the Good News presented in such an engaging way.

It was terrific yet sobering, as most mission trips to a “third world” country are.

With the help of outstanding interpreters, the children and teachers laughed, clapped, and engaged in the performances. It’s a reminder that children are children, no matter where they may live—they love to have fun and laugh.

Thanks to donors, the children in the New Missions schools are well-fed, clothed in school uniforms, and experience the love of Christ daily.

The Dominican Republic reminded me again that the language of wonder crosses every barrier. The heart understands joy, hope, and love—whether in Spanish or English.

God is at work — and I am grateful to be a small part of it.

You can listen to my interview with New Missions about the trip on their podcast here.

You can read about it here.

In my next Kneemail, I will share about meeting our sponsored child! What a great moment!

Until then,

Sharing His Wonder,

Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
DONATE
Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
LEARN MORE
Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
LEARN MORE
You can host this event at no cost.

LEARN MORE

May 22, 2025
Timeline vs. Truth: The Real Question of Earth’s Age

The Question Beneath The Clock. Some questions feel like they’ve been buried in the dust of time—tough, tangled, and endlessly debated. And one of those questions is this: How old is the Earth, really?

Honestly, I’ve never felt like that was my assignment to answer. Whether the world is six thousand years old or six billion, that debate seems better suited to geologists and astronomers than to pastors and poets. But still, people ask. So here’s what I’d say.

Timeline isn’t the same as Truth

Christian faith doesn’t hinge on how long the Earth has been spinning. To hang the whole weight of the gospel on the tick of a clock is like putting your trust in the scaffolding instead of the structure. Let’s not confuse chronology with theology.

Genesis—majestic, mysterious, and foundational—isn’t written like a science manual. It’s poetic, but that doesn’t mean it’s untrue. It tells the truth that matters most. Not the kind you measure with charts and carbon dating, but the kind that wakes your heart up and points it toward something eternal.

Wonder is Greater than a Telescope

When the Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God,” he wasn’t waiting for a telescope. He already knew what awe looked like. He saw the stars and felt the truth behind them.

Could God have created everything in six literal days? Of course. Could He have used six billion years? Absolutely. Time is His to command. If He made the world appear aged—like Adam, formed as a man rather than a baby—that’s His prerogative. He’s not bound by our systems; He invented time.

The Deeper Question

So whether you lean young-earth, old-earth, or somewhere in the mystery between, don’t let the timeline shake your faith. Because the most important question isn’t how long the world has existed, but what will we do with the One who stepped into it? The One born of a woman, in the fullness of time.

This story isn’t just about beginnings. It’s about redemption.

And that, my friend, is the truest wonder of all.

Sharing His Wonder,

May 14, 2025
The Curtain and the Key – A Fictional Conversation Between C.S. Lewis and Harry Houdini
What happens when the world’s greatest escape artist meets the mind behind Mere Christianity?

While Harry Houdini and C.S. Lewis never met in life, I’ve often imagined what a conversation between them might have sounded like. One—a man who searched for truth by unmasking illusion. The other—a man who found truth in the heart of mystery.

They did have a common link; Joy Davidman. Joy was originally from New York, of Jewish heritage, and a former atheist and communist who converted to Christianity. She and Lewis began as pen pals in the 1950s, developing a friendship that grew into love. They were married civilly in 1956, primarily for legal reasons due to her needing British residency. However, when Joy was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, they had a Christian marriage ceremony at her hospital bedside in 1957.

Though their time together was short—Joy died in 1960—their marriage profoundly affected Lewis. He chronicled his grief and spiritual wrestling in the raw and beautiful book A Grief Observed, published initially under a pseudonym.

But it was Joy’s first husband, William Lindsay Gresham (1909–1962) that is the magical link. William & Joy married in 1942 and had two sons, David and Douglas. Their relationship was stormy and eventually disintegrated due to Gresham’s infidelity, emotional instability, and alcohol abuse. Gresham was a journalist, novelist, and former communist with a deep interest in the occult, psychology, and spiritualism—especially after witnessing suffering during the Spanish Civil War, where he served as a medic.

In 1959 he wrote Houdini: The Man Who Walked Through Walls, Gresham paints a vivid, well-researched portrait of the legendary magician and escape artist. But this is no dry chronology—it’s a psychologically insightful look at Houdini’s life, blending historical detail with Gresham’s keen interest in the human psyche, showmanship, and spiritual hunger.

Gresham explores not only Houdini’s feats of escapology and his rise to fame but also his deep emotional wounds, including the intense grief over his mother’s death and his crusade against fraudulent mediums—something Gresham himself resonated with.

This unique piece of trivia has always captivated me. Which got me thinking…what would a conversation between Houdini and C.S. Lewis be like? Thanks to amazing A.I. models that can pull together actual writings of the two men, I’ve recreated a fictional conversation between them. Perhaps even a live piece of theatre will come from this experiment. Tell me what you think. So, ladies and gentlemen, may I present…

The Curtain and the Key

The Curtain and the Key is an imagined encounter between two giants—exploring grief, magic, faith, and wonder.

A Short Dramatic Reading on Wonder

Characters
- C.S. Lewis – calm, thoughtful, British accent. A professor with soul-deep faith.
- Harry Houdini – sharp, quick, passionate. A master of escape, full of conviction and curiosity.
Setting
Two chairs by a fire. A table between them. A deck of cards. Books.
A sense of eternity pressing gently on the moment.

[Lights up. Soft amber glow. The faint sound of a ticking clock.]

LEWIS:
There’s something holy about wonder, don’t you think?
That quickening in the chest when mystery knocks?

HOUDINI:
Holy? Maybe. Dangerous, too. I made a career stirring it—
and spent just as long exposing the ones who abused it.

LEWIS:
You mean the mediums. The séances. The false comfort?

HOUDINI:
Exactly. My mother died. I wanted to believe she could speak to me from beyond.
Instead, I found smoke, mirrors, and trickery.
I vowed I’d never let grief be a stage prop.

LEWIS:
You were guarding something sacred.
The ache for more. That’s what wonder truly is—
not an answer, but a question too beautiful to abandon.

HOUDINI:
And you? A scholar. A convert.
You believe that question has a name.

LEWIS:
Yes. I believe the longing behind every wonder finds its answer in Christ.
The one who not only rose—but returns.

HOUDINI (sets cards down):
You think wonder leads us to God?

LEWIS:
I do. Not always in a straight line—
but in every sunrise, every story, every gasp of awe—
He’s tracing His fingerprints.

HOUDINI:
And the illusions? The magic? What of those?

LEWIS:
They may not be real—but they point to something that is.
Even false light reminds us that true light must exist.

HOUDINI:
I wanted to unlock every door…
but I never escaped that longing.

LEWIS:
Then you’re closer than you think.

[Pause. The clock ticks. A wind moves faintly outside the window.]

HOUDINI:
And what if—just once—someone passed through the curtain…
and came back?

LEWIS:
He did.
And He didn’t just come back.
He left it open.

[Lights fade. Silence. Curtain.]

A Final Thought

Wonder isn’t weakness. It’s courage.
It’s the refusal to believe that the visible world is all there is.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or somewhere in between,
I hope this short conversation leaves you with a spark of hope.

Because behind every locked box, every aching question,
there may just be a Key.

What door are you knocking on today?
Share your thoughts below—or pass this along to someone who needs to hear it.

Sharing His Wonder,
May 5, 2025
Missions Update: A Journey to the Dominican Republic

https://youtube.com/shorts/bgKFthNwCZU?si=P_mrC86UTVGzvnzz
Hello, Praying Friend!

Happy Spring!

I’m sorry I didn’t connect last month! Wow, did March zoom by!
You should have received our 2024 Year In Review early last month. If you haven’t received one, I’d love to ensure you do! It’s a great piece! Please drop us a note at info@scotthumston.com, and we’ll snail mail one.

In March, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic to share the hope of Christ through the art of magic, storytelling, and wonder. I want to take a moment to share a glimpse into what God did — and to thank you for making it possible through your prayers and support.

My Journey with New Missions: How It All Began

I first connected with New Missions when I took my two youngest, Nate & Rachel, to a local church to experience their Laugh All Night event. New Missions raises awareness about the needs of children on the island of Hispaniola through this event.

After the show, I met Tim DeTellis, the president and son of the founders, George & Jeanne DeTellis. Rachel, about ten at the time, asked if we would sponsor a child that evening. (My oldest, Hannah, had sponsored a child years earlier with another organization.) Of course, I told Rachel yes—but she would need to be responsible for earning money each month to send, which she did faithfully for several years until that child dropped from the program, as sometimes happens.

After the event, Tim and I connected in the church’s foyer. I shared what I do, and we made time to connect since we live about 15 minutes apart. We became fast friends. Soon after, I started sharing the stage with Tim and others at the Laugh All Night events.

I perform about a dozen Laugh All Night Comedy Concerts a year with New Missions. I love connecting people with the opportunity to change a child’s life. I treasure using something funny (a comedy magic show!) to address something serious—a child needing food, clothing, and education.

In February of this year, I popped up to Crossroads Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with Tim, and we hosted a Laugh All Night for the first time there—we had a great crowd, and ten children were sponsored! I love that!

A New Chapter: Dominican Republic

New Missions has been on the island of Hispaniola for over forty years. The country of Haiti is on one end, and the Dominican Republic is on the other, separated by a beautiful mountain range.

Although their work continues in Haiti, due to the ongoing violence in the capital, New Missions currently cannot safely get mission teams from America in and out of the country. However, they can host mission teams in the Dominican Republic.

Tim invited me last year to come to the Dominican Republic in the last week of March this year to see the mission work taking place and to share my talents with the kids and teachers in their schools.

On March 24th, my youngest daughter Rachel and I flew from Miami to Puerto Plata. From the airport, it was just a fifteen-minute drive to the town of Sosua. Located directly on the coast, Sosua is a small town overwhelmed with traffic—mostly motorcycles. Like many places in the Caribbean, it has beautiful people and fantastic ocean views, yet also chaos, confusion, and pollution in its streets.

Rachel and I spent four days doing events at five New Missions-sponsored schools. We joined a group from First Baptist Bentonville, Arkansas, as they led VBS-style events at three of the schools.

We performed at five schools where children filled every seat—and some stood around the edges just to catch a glimpse. Through laughter and wonder, we shared the love of Christ with students who may have never before heard the Good News presented in such an engaging way.

It was terrific yet sobering, as most mission trips to a “third world” country are.

With the help of outstanding interpreters, the children and teachers laughed, clapped, and engaged in the performances. It’s a reminder that children are children, no matter where they may live—they love to have fun and laugh.

Thanks to donors, the children in the New Missions schools are well-fed, clothed in school uniforms, and experience the love of Christ daily.

The Dominican Republic reminded me again that the language of wonder crosses every barrier. The heart understands joy, hope, and love—whether in Spanish or English.

God is at work — and I am grateful to be a small part of it.

You can listen to my interview with New Missions about the trip on their podcast here.

You can read about it here.

In my next Kneemail, I will share about meeting our sponsored child! What a great moment!

Until then,

Sharing His Wonder,

Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
DONATE
Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
LEARN MORE
Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
LEARN MORE
You can host this event at no cost.

LEARN MORE

April 29, 2025
Three Powerful Strategies to Deepen Your Relationship with Christ in 2025
Hello, Praying Friend!

We’re well into 2025 already, and what an exciting year it’s shaping up to be! I’ve just returned from a conference on the Holy Spirit hosted by Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. It was a refreshing time of worship and spiritual insights.

I am excited to announce that our 2024 Year In Review is at the mailing company and should be in your mailbox by the end of this month if you are on my ‘snail mail’ list. (If you’re not on the physical mailing list, just reach out; we’d gladly update your information.) You can always review the digital copy here.

Every year, as I move from the end of one year to the beginning of the next, I naturally reflect on the past and look forward to the future. In 2025, I want to grow closer to Christ. How about you? Here are three ways we can strengthen our faith this year.

First, Faith and Trust
- Understanding Faith: Faith in Christ is more than just believing; it requires a commitment to follow Him and trust in His promises. This includes acknowledging that God is good, has a plan for your life, and is in control of all circumstances.
- Practicing Trust: You can strengthen your faith by studying Scripture, reflecting on God’s past faithfulness in your life, and sharing testimonies with others. Trust grows when you step out of your comfort zone and rely on God for guidance and support in daily decisions.
Second, Prayer
- Types of Prayer: Prayer can take many forms: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS). Adoration focuses on worshiping God, confession involves acknowledging our sins, thanksgiving expresses gratitude, and supplication is making requests for ourselves and others.
- Building a Prayer Habit: Set specific times each day for prayer. Consider a prayer journal—writing down your prayers can help you express your thoughts and allow you to look back and see how God guided you.
Third, Love and Service
- Christ’s Love: Christ’s love is both unconditional and sacrificial. Acknowledging this love enables us to extend grace to others and view them with compassion. Jesus loves you so much that He gave His life. Thinking about that each day can be transformative.
- Serving Others: Seek out opportunities to serve in your community, church, or through outreach programs. This can involve volunteering in many different ways, such as assisting those in need or simply being there for someone who is struggling. Acts of service reflect Christ’s love and help foster a sense of community and connection with others.
If you ask God to help you embrace these concepts, you can deepen your faith, nurture your relationship with Christ, and grow & go deeper with Him in 2025. Each area supports the others, resulting in a more fulfilling walk with God.

Thank you for being such a vital part of this work. You are loved! Here’s to an excellent 2025 as we walk, grow, and live in Christ!

Sharing His Wonder,

Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
DONATE
Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
LEARN MORE
Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
LEARN MORE
You can host this event at no cost.

LEARN MORE
February 13, 2025
A Brew-tiful Year in Review

Thank you for your support in this past year. We look forward to your partnership in 2025. We’re happy to share with you this Year in Review!

Can’t see the media above? Click here.

As we step into a new year, we’re thrilled to reflect on 2024—a year brimming with inspiring moments, heartfelt connections, and impactful events that made this journey truly memorable.

From unforgettable community outreaches and sold-out performances of Mind, Myth & Magic to meaningful church gatherings and missions, the year was filled with opportunities to share joy, faith, and wonder. Each month brought its unique blend of challenges and celebrations, tied together with the warmth of conversations over coffee—a theme that resonates throughout this reflection.

Inside, you’ll find snapshots of milestone moments, including personal celebrations, the launch of new initiatives, and stories of lives touched by simple yet profound acts of kindness. Expect to be inspired by glimpses of ministry highlights, family adventures, and the unwavering commitment to serving others.

Take a moment to sip on your favorite brew, reflect on the year gone by, and celebrate with us all that God has done. Together, let’s look forward to another wonder-filled year ahead!

Click Here to view all links mentioned in the review.

Cheers to 2025!

Sharing His Wonder,

January 1, 2025
The 2024 Year-In-Review

Relive 2024’s Best Highlights – A Year of Blessings Awaits!

Can’t see the media above? Click here.

Below you’ll find the links to the content mentioned in our review.

Interview with Forrest Sanders for Channel 5

https://youtu.be/IJxGjDsh4vc?si=JT4zJzsBw3SPFRHv&t=101

Scott’s St.Patrick’s Sermon

Mere Christians Gathering

Click here to learn more.

Learn all about my show at The Vestry in Eden Abbey Restaurant

Learn More

I turned 52 this year!

Read Blog

Get My Audio Book for FREE!

Donate now to support our mission and receive the Sharing Wonder audiobook by Scott Humston as our thank-you gift for every donation of $20 or more once it’s released.

Donate

January 1, 2025
Time, Talent, or Treasure?

Hello, Praying Friend!

Merry Christmas! As we step into the final week of Advent, with Christmas Day just around the corner, I trust you’re basking in the Hope, Peace, and Joy that this season brings. It’s a time of great anticipation and celebration!

Here at NDE, we’ve been diligently working on our 2024 Year-End wrap-up, and I hope to have that to you next month. Looking back and seeing what God has done through this work is always exciting!

At this time of year, I often reflect on the wise men and their role in the plan. Over the years, I’ve written various pieces on these intriguing and integral figures in the Savior’s story. This season, for just a moment, let’s explore the gifts the Magi offered.

(By the way, we know from history there were three gifts—so we justify that there were three of the Magi. However, some scholars believe there could have been more or less wisemen. To learn more about the Magi, click here .)

The three wise men, or Magi, play a significant role in the Christmas story as they journey from the East, guided by a shining star to honor the birth of Jesus. Their journey symbolizes the universal recognition of Christ’s significance, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. This universal message invites us all to reflect on our own faith journey and the deeper connections we can make with the risen Christ.

The gifts brought by the Magi to Christ hold deep symbolic meaning that reflects Jesus’s nature and significance. Each gift—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carries its own message and offers insight into God’s plan.

1. Gold: A gift fit for a king, gold symbolizes royalty and dignity. It acknowledges Jesus as the rightful King of Kings, recognizing His sovereign authority over all. In presenting gold, the Magi honor Jesus as a newborn child and as the ruler of heaven and earth. This gift invites us to recognize Christ’s lordship in our lives and to submit to His reign with reverence and awe.

2. Frankincense: This precious resin was often used in religious ceremonies and worship, symbolizing divinity and holiness. The offering of frankincense points to Jesus’ divine nature as the Son of God. It emphasizes His role as the High Priest who mediates between humanity and God. By bringing frankincense, the Magi acknowledge Jesus as worthy of worship, inviting us to reflect on our acts of devotion and the sacredness of our relationship with the divine.

3. Myrrh: Unlike the previous two gifts, myrrh carries a more somber and prophetic significance. Typically used in embalming, it foreshadows the suffering and death that Jesus would endure for humanity’s salvation. This gift serves as a poignant reminder that the path of Christ is one of sacrifice and redemption. By bringing myrrh, the Magi highlight the reality of Jesus’ mission on earth, encouraging us to understand the depth of His love and the cost of our salvation.

Together, these gifts weave a narrative that captures the essence of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. They invite us to contemplate His kingship, divinity, and ultimate sacrifice, urging us to respond with our own gifts—our time, talents, and treasures—in service to Him and others.

What gifts will you offer to Him in 2025? Will it be your time, talent, or treasure?

Sharing His Wonder,

P.S. I prayerfully hope that you would consider a year-end donation to this work. We strive to share Christ through creativity, connection, and community. 100% of your gift goes back into this work to help us engage people and proclaim Christ through live events. We also curate materials and curriculum for those who lead children and families at no charge. We’ve proclaimed Christ since 1981! Join us in making an impact. Check the “Donate” button below.

Yes Scott! I want to partner with you and NDE to proclaim the Gospel to families!
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Looking for an engaging, character-building performance for kids?
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Host “An Evening of Comedy & Laughter” with Scott and transform your church into a beacon of joy and connection for your community!
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You can host this event at no cost.

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December 17, 2024