Christmas Gift by Henry V. Jones

Effect:
Three differently colored scarves that are tied to a length of ribbon untie themselves. These are then used to represent both the three wise men (magi) and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A long, rectangular tube, that is lying flat on the table, is displayed and opened with the inside showed to the audience as empty. The scarves are ‘threaded’ through holes in the side of the tube. The tube is again shown to the audience to display the fact that they fill the inside. A lit candle is now thrust upward through the tube, apparently also through the scarves, to show that while the journey may have been difficult travelling from the ‘east’ to Bethlehem, they and their valuable gifts were safely protected, as the scarves are removed and shown that they are unharmed. The scarves are then gathered together and placed in a receptacle to be presented as a gift. When removed they have been transformed into God’s Gift to the world, a Christ head silk.

Required:

Uncanny Hanks
Candle Through Silks, with three differently colored silks (Yellow, Red, and Green)
Candle
Change Bag
Christ head silk

I do not know who produces the first two items, mine were purchased through Ron London. The silk is available from Doc Haley.

Preparation:
The Christ head silk is placed in the concealed side of the Change Bag. The silks that accompany "Candle Through Silks" are ‘secured’ to the ribbon for "Uncanny Hanks" and placed in the ‘open’ side of the bag. The ‘tube’ for "Candle Through Silks" is placed flat on the table beside an unlit candle in a stand. A lighter is also on the table.

Performance:
The ribbon and silks are removed from the bag, which is then turned inside out and laid back on the table. While holding the ribbon and silks between both hands, ask an audience member to select a color and then to concentrate on that color. Then cause that silk to untie and fall to the table. Repeat this with another audience member. Then say, ‘That leaves the last silk for me." Also cause the last silk to fall.

As the three silks are picked up and placed to the side, comment that about two thousand years ago a bright light appeared in the sky. At this point light the candle. Then discuss the relative travel hazards and the fact that there were no Interstate highways or Holiday Inns. While engaged in this discussion, pick up the ‘tube’ and open it and display the inside to show that there is nothing in the tube. Then start threading the silks through the appropriate colored hole in both sides of the tube. Call attention to each silk as you refer to the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

As you discuss the travel difficulties, insert the lit candle up through the ‘tube’ and apparently also through the silks. At this point comment that there very well may have been some divine protection, although this point is not mentioned in Scripture.

Remove the silks to show that they are unharmed. Hand them to an audience member and ask them to place them into the bag. Make a show of shaking the bag while causing the Christ head silk to become available. Ask a second member to remove the silk, which is the Christ head silk. (My colors compare to the three silks accompanying the effect and therefore gives the impression that the three silks have merged or blended into the now single silk.) While working with the change bag discuss the presentation of the gifts of the magi or wise men and that while they were valuable gifts there cannot match the precious Gift of God to the world. At this point take the silk and open it to show the picture of Christ.