Christmas Presence.

Thursday, October 21, 2010
Christmas Presence. It’s still October, I understand that. That would cause many of you to wonder why I would be writing a blog about Christmas. Granted, I have a few family members that are ready for Christmas again by December 26th each year. They sing Christmas music and start putting up their Christmas decorations, including the tree, by midsummer I think. I am not one of those folks. I didn’t even put up a tree last year. And though I intend to this year, it won’t happen until early November. So why would I be writing about Christmas? Because we can celebrate Christmas Presence all year long!
We’ve heard the story of Bethlehem time and time again. We’ve read about it, seen cute little Christmas plays at church about it, seen movies about it, and even heard so many songs about it that we can’t miss the point of Christmas. It’s not about the snow (or lack thereof). It’s not about the trees or garland. The truth of the matter is, as much as we enjoy family time during the holidays, it’s not even about seeing family. It’s certainly not about the gifts and presents we look forward to so much as a child, either. The Christmas holiday is all about presence. Did you get that?
The greatest gift the world has ever received came on Christmas Day. Regardless of whether or not it was actually during the summertime or not, the day we’ve set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ is Christmas Day. And on that day, God gave us His Presence in a whole new way. He sent His Son into this world to be our Emanuel, God with us. No longer was there a veil that would separate God and man. Jesus had come to tear that veil, which He would ultimately do by speaking those powerful words, “It is finished!” It’s all about His Presence.
The greatest joy in living a life with Christ is simply knowing that once you come to know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you’ll never have to live a moment without His presence again. Never. His promise to “Never leave you nor forsake you” rings true today as much as ever. And the greatest thing about His presence? He desires to be present in our lives. He wants our company! The God of the universe, through the ministry of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, actually WANTS to be present in our lives! That’s why He said to the disciples in John 21, “Come and have breakfast with me.” Wow!
So today, you may face an excruciating battle in your life. I don’t know what you’re going through, but I have tasted the depth of the darkest valleys life can throw at you. And through it all, no matter how hard it is to stand, or how impossible this battle may seem, remember the gift of Christmas. Remember His Christmas Presence. Because once He comes into your life, He’s never leaving. And that’s one bit of news you can hold to all year long.


That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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