His Presence is Our Present

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  1 Corinthians 13:7

The holiday season can be a difficult time for people for many reasons. Missing loved ones who have passed on or far away; financial burdens that overshadow shopping desires; and the pressure to give or please people when the heart does not want to. Overwhelming emotions and circumstances make people feel like it really isn’t Christmas.

A couple of my favorite songs at Christmas time include Whitney Houston’s One Wish, Monica’s Grown-Up Christmas List, and Oh Holy Night by anyone. These are my favorite songs because they touch my heart. The songs are about faith, hope, joy, love, and the birth of Jesus.

Our Christmas may be absent of dear family members and friends. Our pockets may be empty and gifts may be missing under our trees. Our hearts may be broken or trying to sort through emotional baggage. Yet, one element of the holiday has not and will not ever change- the presence of God.

Faith, hope, joy, and love are the very reasons that God sent Jesus into the world on that holy night. God saw a world that was hurting, lost, and in need of healing. This is the same condition that we see in the world today.

The birth of Jesus was a gift to the world to be treasured. It was always God’s desire that we would turn to Him in our times of need and hold tightly to our faith. We definitely need Him now. God’s presence is always with us. His presence is our present- it’s a gift. We have a gift that keeps on giving in the form of faith, hope, joy, and love. These are the true gifts that keep on giving. We can be empowered by sharing these gifts with each other this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Prayer :

Heavenly Father,

We humbly thank you for sending Jesus into the world as a wonderful gift of your love for us. At times, we lose sight of this and forget what the meaning of Christmas is all about. May we be renewed with the faith, hope, joy, and love You intended for us to receive and share with other people.  Forgive us and our ways as we try to live in this world and not be of it. We pray that your presence is a truly among us this holiday season. In Jesus’ name we pray-Amen!

Rest in peace Whitney! We miss you!