A thought occurred to me today when I was reading in Acts 20. Paul the Apostle did some amazing things. People were healed simply because they touched a piece of fabric that he had touched. Eutychus, who had fallen alseep and out of a window during a particularly long sermon, was raised from the dead by Paul. Paul had the ability to banish demons, convince the most unlikely converts of the plan of God through Christ, and predict the future.
But as you can see if you look closely in Acts 20, Paul wasn't always right. He says here that he'll never return to the people of Ephesus, when in fact he does later return. Even though Paul healed sick and raised the dead - he himself had physical issues that plagued him and did not go away.
What's my point and what does it have to do with Christmas and gifts?
I'm thinking of the quote of Jesus found in Acts 20:35. "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This is a pretty popular quote. We all know this in theory, but how many of us really understand this practically? Basically, Jesus is saying "You'll be more happy giving than you are getting."
Tying this to Paul's experiences, I see that even people we consider amazing spiritual examples don't get to use their gifts on themselves. That's not why God gives them to us. He gives us gifts, talents, strengths, ideas - but to benefit others, not ourselves. Trying to use these things on ourselves brings emptiness. Using them to help others fills us up.
Just something for us to remember at this time of year, and every other day. God gives us gifts in order to give to others. And in that gift, we find contentment.
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