Isn’t it easy to feel rushed in the Christmas season? Cards to send, gifts to buy and wrap. We bake cookies and decorate our homes.
My nine-year-old granddaughter, Lizzy, drew a Christmas picture for a family book. Under the picture she wrote “presence over presents.” How wonderful to be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas! Lizzy emphasized the true Christmas treasure: Emmanual, God with us.
Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds gathered around and stared in awe at the little bundle. The Word had become flesh and lay sleeping in a manger.
Each of the people involved in the first Christmas gazed in wonder at who was now present with them. They were also busy. Mary was recovering from her delivery and figuring out motherhood. Joseph was probably trying to help Mary. He needed to provide for them while they were adjusting to being a family of three. Joseph was thinking about where to get the pair of doves to offer in Jerusalem and plan their trip back home. The shepherds told others they met about all they had seen. Then they had to get back to their job with the sheep. Wise men journeyed from far away to come worship this new king that was now present in the world. Even though they were busy, they knew his presence was something special. Miraculous.
In all the busyness of the season, let’s not miss who is still present with us. That baby in the manger grew up. Jesus died for our sins, conquered death, and rose again. By faith in him we can come into the presence of God and call him Father.
And we know that this same Jesus, our Redeemer and Savior, Son of God and Lord of Lords, is with us every moment of every day. There is never a time his presence isn’t with us. That is the best present ever!
Have a joyous Christmas as you celebrate his presence with you.
Screams In The Desert 
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