Introduction

In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, finding moments of divine connection can be challenging. This Christmas Eve, we explore the profound significance of God's presence in our lives, drawing from the timeless story of Jesus' birth. This reflection aims to help you understand and experience the presence of God more deeply, not just during the holiday season but throughout your life.

The Christmas Story

The story of Jesus' birth is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Listening to this story can evoke a sense of wonder and reverence. The birth of Jesus marked the beginning of God's renewed interaction with humanity after a long period of silence. This event was heralded by angels and witnessed by humble shepherds, symbolizing the accessibility of God's presence to all.

Seeking God's Presence - Moments of Divine Silence

Many of us have experienced times when it feels like God is silent or distant. These moments can be challenging, but they also remind us of the importance of seeking God's presence actively. Just as the shepherds on the hillside experienced a divine encounter, we too can find moments of glory in our lives.

The Promise of God's Presence

God's greatest gift to us is not material blessings but His presence. Jesus, called Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," signifies that God desires to be with us, to walk with us, and to understand our human experiences. This divine presence is accessible to us consistently, even when it feels distant.

The True Joy of Heaven - What Do We Want from Heaven?

Heaven is often described in terms of its promises—streets of gold, no more tears, eternal joy. However, the true essence of heaven is the presence of God. Earthly desires and needs will fade, but the deep spiritual connection with our Creator will fulfill us in ways beyond our current understanding.

The Reflection of God's Presence

Our current experience of God's presence is like seeing a reflection in a mirror—partial and imperfect. However, there will come a day when we will see God face to face, fully and completely. This anticipation should inspire us to seek and cherish God's presence now.

Life Application - Embracing God's Presence Daily

To experience God's presence more fully, we must intentionally seek Him in our daily lives. This can be through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, and fellowship with other believers. These practices help us tune into God's voice and recognize His presence in our lives.

Questions for Reflection

1. How often do I take time to listen to God's word rather than just read it?

2. In what ways have I experienced moments of divine silence, and how did I respond?

3. What do I truly desire from my relationship with God—His gifts or His presence?

4. How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my daily life?

A Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to set aside specific times to seek God's presence intentionally. Whether it's through listening to an audio Bible, spending quiet moments in prayer, or joining a small group, make a conscious effort to connect with God. Reflect on the ways He reveals Himself to you and share these experiences with others to encourage and uplift one another.

Conclusion

The presence of God is a gift that surpasses all earthly desires. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that God's greatest gift to us is Himself. By seeking His presence daily, we can experience the true joy and peace that come from knowing and being known by our Creator. May this Christmas season be a time of renewed connection with God and a deeper understanding of His love for us. Merry Christmas!

Comment

What Do You Truly Want from God? Presence or Presents?

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, it's a perfect time to reflect on what we truly desire from God. This week, we kicked off a new sermon series titled "Presents or Presence," which challenges us to examine whether we seek the gifts God can give us or his very presence.

The Fillet Knife: A Lesson in Value

Pastor Jeff began with a story about a common Rapala fillet knife. While this knife is inexpensive and easily replaceable (you can pick one up at Scheels if you were wondering) the one he owns holds immense sentimental value because it was a gift from his grandfather. The knife represents something much greater. This story serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God. Do we just value the gifts he gives us, or do we cherish his presence in our lives?

The Israelites' Dilemma

In Exodus 33, God offers the Israelites the Promised Land but says he will not go with them due to their repeated disobedience. This was the land of milk and honey, whispered of around campfires for generations, the fulfillment of a divine covenant made with Abraham hundreds of years prior. Yet now they faced a profound choice: Would they accept this long-yearned-for inheritance without God's presence? This scenario challenges us to consider what we truly desire from God. Is it the blessings he can provide, or is it his presence that we seek?

Moses' Response: Choosing Presence Over Presents

Moses' response to God is clear and resolute: "If your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here" (Exodus 33:15). Moses understood that God's presence was more valuable than any earthly blessing. He preferred to stay in the desert with God rather than enter the Promised Land without Him. What about us? Again we consider what we truly desire from God. What would you have said?

The Tent of Meeting: Knowing God

Exodus 33:7 says “Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.” While anyone could go meet with God there, most Israelites stayed at their own tent entrances. There might have been any number of reasons for this hesitation: fear due to their disobedience, feeling unworthy, not seeing dramatic signs like the pillar of cloud, delegating spiritual responsibility to Moses, or being too preoccupied with dreams of future prosperity in Canaan. Any of these excuses sound familar? Maybe hit a little close to home? What keeps us from seeking God's presence today?

The New Covenant: God With Us

We are under a new covenant through Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:23 says Jesus will be called Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." We hear about that often around Christmas time…but think about what it means for us! Unlike the Israelites, we don't need to go to a special tent to be in God's presence. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God anytime, anywhere. This is the greatest gift we can receive—God's presence in our lives.

Application: Embrace God's Presence

As we reflect on this sermon, let's challenge ourselves to seek God's presence above all else. Here are a few questions to ponder this week:

1. **What do I truly desire from God?** Is it His blessings or His presence?

2. **How often do I seek God's presence in my daily life?** Am I content with just attending church, or do I strive to be in His presence continually?

3. **What distractions keep me from experiencing God's presence?** How can I overcome these distractions to deepen my relationship with Him?

Challenge for the Week

This week, make a conscious effort to spend time in God's presence. Whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or simply being still, prioritize your relationship with Him. Remember, the greatest gift God offers is not what He can give us, but Himself.

Conclusion

As we journey through this series, let's remember that God's presence is the ultimate gift. While His blessings are wonderful, they are meaningless without Him. May we, like Moses, choose God's presence over any earthly blessing and find true joy and peace in Him.

Stay tuned for the upcoming sermons in this series as we explore the good gifts God promises and how they are enriched by His presence. Come back and celebrate with us again next week!