The Christmas Presence

C. Hayden 12-10-19

Brother Lawrence (Nicholas Herman), a 17^th century Friar, wrote one of the all time great Christian classic books on the subject of God’s presence in the life of the believer.  Titled “The Practice of the Presence of God,” Brother Lawrence’s work is a collection of letters and teachings examining what it means and ways we may achieve an awareness of God’s tangible presence in everyday life.  The Scriptures are clear that having an awareness of God’s abiding presence should be the norm for Christians and not the exception.

 In Mathew 1:21-23 we read about Joseph’s conversation with an Angel, “’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means God with us).”

That’s right, Immanuel, God is with us.   Jesus confirmed this understanding that we may enjoy his presence when He said this, “’He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.’ ²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, ‘Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?’ ²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him’” (John 14:21-23 KJV).

This Christmas holiday, may we celebrate Christ our Lord with the understanding that He is with us in the midst of all of the activity and busyness we find ourselves in.  He is Immanuel and we can always recognize His presence if we choose to do so.  Not just in theory, but in the tangible real presence that the Holy Spirit provides.

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris