Skip to main content

Three Kings' Day

El Dia de Reyes...is a celebration of the three wisemen coming from the east to Jerusalem in search of Baby Jesus.  The visit of the Magi is depicted in Matthew 2:1-12.  They brought with them three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Here in the Dominican Republic this day, January 6th is celebrated like Christmas is back in North America.  On Friday, us missionaries made a pancake and salami breakfast for all the kids, houseparents, and workers at the Ark Home in Jarabacoa.  It was fun being able to do something special for everyone.  They sang some songs, read from Luke 2 the Christmas story of Jesus' birth along with a short devotional from the home director prior to passing out gifts to the kids and staff.  It was cool to see everyone receive three gifts each just like the three gifts Baby Jesus was given from the wisemen.  The kids and staff opened their presents and it was a joy to watch the expressions and delight on each of their faces.  This day is really Christmas for Dominicans as on Christmas they traditionally do not hand out gifts.

I also, got to go with the Trautweins, Karen, Wendy, and Indiana to celebrate King's Day at the Ark Home in Constanza.  They read from Psalm 100 with a small devotional, one of the older boys shared some words of thanksgiving and two of the girls sang a song.  We had brownie sundaes before passing out the three presents and again watching the delight and joy on the faces of everyone.

I was really glad to be able to be part of these celebrations.  But reminded again of the best gift that God the Father gave us, His son, Jesus Christ.
Caraballo Christmas Program

Palo Blanco Christmas Program

Santo Domingo Christmas Party

Constanza Christmas Dinner

Ark-Jarabacoa

Family Group in the Ark Jarabacoa

Excitement 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

October Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...
Post a Comment
Read more

August Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul.  This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony.  The yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

January Newsletter

    SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside.  Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones.  It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul.  The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace.  Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter.  What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve.  It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging.  It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...
Post a Comment
Read more