Thought the title was a typo, huh? This is our theme for the Christmas season. The messages the next two weeks are about the PRESENCE of God in our lives and not the giving and receiving of PRESENTS. That’s the heart and celebration of Christmas – God became physically present in our world in Jesus. God continues his presence in our lives through Jesus. Hence, the Christmas story should be a reality every day in our lives.
There is no greater gift God could give than his continual loving presence. Everything around me and even in me can be going wrong. I can feel alone and rejected. There are times I want to reject me too. There are times I am afraid. There are times it seems like the events around me are out of control. Sometimes I wonder if I have what it takes. But here’s the wonderful truth and reality. God is with me. He will never abandon, forsake or reject me. I can face anything and anybody, including death itself, because God is with me. That’s the good news of the Gospel.
The challenge for us is to focus on God’s presence and not get distracted by the presents and gift giving and receiving at Christmas. We want to help you keep your focus on God’s presence. So here’s what’s coming this Christmas season:
This weekend (Dec. 16 & 17) – Presents vs. Presence.
Next weekend (Sat. Dec. 23 @ 5:30pm and Sun. Dec. 24 @ 9 & 11am) – Hidden Presence and “The Cobbler’s Dream” drama.
Christmas Eve Evening (Sun. Dec. 24th – 5pm and 11pm) – God’s Presence and candle lighting service.
New Year’s weekend (Dec. 30 & 31) – Great Expectations
Weren’t the kids just outstanding in this past weekend’s services! What a great message. In case you missed it the kids preformed “A Christmas Carol” which was a Christmas musical about giving. Way to go Michelle Moll and her team of volunteers. We were blessed.
As you receive this I’m getting ready to go skiing and snowboarding with my family for our annual family vacation. It is a great time when we get to be present with each other. The focus of our giving is just being with each other.
May we all experience the presence of God with our families this Christmas season.
Glen
