Our Present—His Presence
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. However, Christmas time generates strange behaviors. It drives people into frantic holiday mode. Many scramble to be the first in their neighborhoods to put up decorations. Stores decorate before Halloween items leave the shelves. Radio stations blast favorite carols during Thanksgiving. To-do lists grow, parties to attend increase, and credit cards max out!
Then the exciting and sometimes chaotic disorder of Christmas morning arrives. Children and adults tearing wrapping paper off packages. Squeals of excitement as they display joy over receiving presents they wanted. But the real joy comes in receiving a present unexpected: a precious present… a useful present… an expensive present… a present with an extended warranty!
When you accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, you receive an unexpected present—His presence! His presence brings the most precious possession you will ever get. It is useful every day of your life for every situation you will face. It’s a very expensive present because it carries an extremely high price tag—His life. Jesus had to die to pay for your sin. And unlike all the earthly presents you eventually toss out—this one carries a life-time warranty… one that will last forever. Jesus assured us in His Word that He prepared a place in heaven where believers will enjoy eternity in His presence.
Sadly, we miss His presence due to all the distractions, clamor and commotion surrounding Christmas. We may hear His name in a song sung or a Christmas card read. We may catch a glimmer of Him in a decoration or Christmas play. But His presence stays with us.
In fact, the essence of Christmas is Jesus’ presence. The song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” means “God with us.” Knowing that He prepared a dwelling place for us to experience true lasting joy, and He desires a relationship with us forever, should evoke squeals of excitement over receiving this unexpected, precious, useful, and expensive gift.
So, this Christmas season, as you unwrap your presents, take a few minutes and bask in His presence. Instead of reflecting on how and where, reflect on why Jesus was born. On your to-do list, list ways you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him such as praying for others or meditating on His Word daily. Pray that He will reveal Himself to you in a special way. Take time to meditate on the meaning of the words in the Christmas carols instead of just humming or singing along.
I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. Each time I open a gift for Christmas, I will be reminded that I get to experience real joy every day of my life because I received the greatest gift of all…Jesus’ unexpected present…His presence! Why? Simply …
