Try the latest Words of Life as Spotify Podcasts.

Tip: To see latest Words of Life, use Refine Search to list by Year. If using Mobile device, Refine Search may be located at end of page.

At this time of the year, many begin to consider obtaining gifts to pass to their loved ones and those less fortunate. It is a time when we consider the gifts given or offered to mankind by our Heavenly Father.

Since man was separated from God at the downfall, no flesh can stand in the presence of God and live. Exodus 33: 20 – 21, “And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock.” That rock of course is our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring about the rebirth to allow us to see God and live. How the Father has yearned for this over the years.

To make that day possible, the Father had to give us that greatest gift to become our rock. Luke 2:10-11, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Now Jesus was also given gifts at His birth, inspired by God, as shown in the text, for Him to pass on to believers when He ascended, that will allow us to prepare to be as Him for that great day when God’s last enemy, the corruption inherited by all, can be changed by our rock, 1 Corinthians 15:52, “In the moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in corruptible, we shall be changed.” We review these gifts, all based on the Grace of Christ, and should commit ourselves to use them in our lives, so as not to offend the gift giver our Heavenly Father. Matthew 2:11,“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” The gold represents a kingdom, and the entry is provided by baptism with water to redeem us from the inherited sin. This was passed to us by Christ to His Apostles recorded in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Frankincense (Holy Spirit). John 20:22-23, “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:  Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” The Holy Spirit promised as the power, to forgive our ongoing confessed sins.

The fullness of this gift was sent to the Apostles at Pentecost Myrrh, used to embalm bodies so they can be preserved. This represents Holy Communion for the remission of sins thus preserving our bodies to be able to be resurrected on the return of Christ.  To be as Him and being able to see the Father, face to face and live. This was passed to His Apostles recorded in Matthew 26:27-28, “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

We must use these gifts to prepare for the coming Kingdom.  As we consider gift giving or receiving during this time, let us never forget the greatest gifts from heaven. Truly we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham almost 4000 years ago.  Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”