Most of us love to receive presents. Gifts are an expression of love and caring for each other. When the wise men brought gifts for baby Jesus, it was an expression of joy over His birth. When we give presents to each other on Christmas day, it should also be an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus. The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in His Presence. I believe anytime we show love for one another, it pleases God. However sometimes we get so caught up in the presents, we forget the reason for the season, the birth of Christ, His Presence. God has already showed us that the most precious gift cannot be bought or sold. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In giving us this gift, God gave us His Son’s Presence. And all He wants is for us to spend time with Him. The reward we get from God’s Presence is far greater than any present we could ever receive. And passing His Presence on to others is the most valuable gift we can give. Material things come and go and then can come again. But we can never get time back, which is why it is so precious. Nothing is as important as spending time in His Presence. Nothing is as precious as spending time with each other. Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of Jesus. What better way to celebrate this amazing gift from God than to spend time in His Presence? Scripture says we should seek God first and to do that we must spend time with Him. Life becomes peaceful and we get this unspeakable joy when we welcome the goodness of God’s constant Presence living within us. Christmas is a great time to spread this joy by giving our presence to others. The greatest gift I have ever received was the presence of my best friend when I really needed her. She has given me much, but her presence in my life, has been a blessing. Even though at this time we may not be able to physically visit, this did not catch God by surprise, He has provided ways for us to stay in touch. We can take the time to call, facetime, text, email, or even write a letter. As Christians, we should demonstrate more fellowship, compassion, and care for one another. This Christmas season and throughout the New Year I pray we take time to grace someone with our presence. Presents are good but our presence is priceless! Have a very merry (Christ)mas brothers and sisters! Love and Blessings…
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:9-11)
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
EMMANUEL 