on the 3rd day of Christmas

Three gifts . . . .

could that suggest the 3 gifts that were brought by the Wise Men to the Young Child - gold, frankinscense and myrhh as referenced in Matt.2:10-11. Perhaps it refers to the 3 virtues listed in I Cor. - Faith, Hope and Love.  And who doesn't like a 3-for-1 gift ... so yet another option to consider is the true Gift of the Trinity - God  . . the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

i have found myself slowing the pace already as i sing this song and ponder on the lyrics in a new and different way.  All the gifts that i have received as a believer from my True Love . . . i see things now that i honestly had taken for granted instead of appreicating the value and worth and time that was placed behind every gift i've received from Him. 

Have you heard the phrase "having a MARY heart in the midst of a MARTHA season" before?  it's really not my nature to slow down, sit back and be the recipient ... most days i'm really not sure that the world can actually spin if i don't take care of everything!  and yet, how ungrateful am i if i have a True Love who is longing to shower me with gifts but i think that i am so busy [and important and necessary to the entire global picture] that i just fly by them .. open the lid and take a peek at the gift and then push it aside on my way to doing something 'important' ?  

So, on day 3 let's slow down and enjoy ... i know, - - take a deep breath, - - and find yet another small something to knit and share with a friend.  Remember the 3-for-1 option?  What friend would not appreciate a beautiful hand-knit bookmark to remind them that you were thinking and praying specifically for them as you were knitting!  you could always tuck it into a new book .... slip it into a magazine that had a fun article in it ...... or how about this:  make on for yourself and use it in your own Bible as you study .... to be forever reminded of the Gift from your True Love this Christmas? 

sock yarn scraps?  this one would be perfect!  OR you could use a "baby weight" yarn which is a bit more substantial if the thinner size scares you some (or if you're like me and are having a bit of trouble actually seeing those skinnier needles these days!) .....

i LOVE this option for a bookmark - - something a bit unique and different twist on a classic gift.  i don't have a pattern yet ..... i'm still pondering on how to do this one myself ... and hopefully before we finish the 12 days i'll have my own version of this to pass along.

.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us,

And the government will rest on His shoulders,

And His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isa. 9:6