“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And…..they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11).
If you were to ask them, I dare say that most children would say that the best part of Christmas is the presents. It’s a lot of fun to receive gifts – especially when it’s a surprise. Of all the gifts mentioned in the Bible, perhaps the most fascinating are the miraculous gifts given to the early Christians. While we are assured that miraculous abilities through the hands of men have ceased (just as Paul said they would once the revelation of God’s word was complete – 1 Cor. 13:8-12), it is also true that (to those who obey His will) there are gifts that God still desires to give. Romans 12:7-8 record gifts that do not require a miraculous ability to perform.
Whether ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, or showing mercy; these are truly gifts that matter for they will help us and others in receiving the greatest gift of all: eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (6:23).