“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway

Last Wednesday during Bible study, I taught the kids ages 3-5.  In keeping with our Pastor’s series on Christmas, I tried (emphasis, tried) to teach them the Nativity Story.  I brought in a baby doll to pose as “Baby Jesus”.  They were so fascinated with the baby that they simply would not pay attention to the story.  So in an effort to save my lesson, I took “Baby Jesus” to the nursery for a nap.  Thankfully, the kids bought it.

When I tried to talk about the Three Wise men and their gifts to Jesus, the lesson quickly turned to their Christmas list. I want a truck!  I want a Nintendo DS!  I want this, I want that.  The mission was soon aborted and I can only hope they retained something of the meaning of Christmas.

I think adults have a hard time focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.  We get distracted by the lights, the parties, the decorations, the many gifts and we lose sight on the real purpose – celebrating the birth of our Savior.

That next Sunday, my Pastor followed up with an “adult” version of the Nativity Story.  He explained in detail the meaning behind the gifts of the Three Wise men.  The gold represents something pure, the frankincense represents something honest, but the myrrh represents so much more.

Myrrh represents suffering and sorrow.  However when broken, a resin oozes from the tree and can be made into ointments or perfume.  Essentially, the best part of myrrh comes after it is broken apart.  Once broken, healing can begin.

Photo credit - simplythebestcreations.com

Pastor went on further to say that teacher, the preacher, the musician, and others whose life purpose is to serve cannot receive their anointing – chosen for a specific purpose to further God’s kingdom – until they too have been broken.

So take heart in knowing that if the world breaks you, your anointing or your healing is closely behind.  Something beautiful awaits you.