Presents or Presence 2024

When we were little it was a Christmas Eve tradition, after church, to go see the world's largest Christmas tree! Right here in downtown Wilmington, NC. I can remember just getting out of the car and staring at that tree. It was the most beautiful thing I had seen...in the middle of a dirt parking lot! A choir was always there singing! I love Christmas trees with presents under them but after the presents are gone I am ready to take the tree down.

As we anticipate Christmas day let's focus on Jesus' presence as our present. The gifts under our tree can remind us of the Ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ! This gift will never break or wear out, for it comes with a lifetime guarantee - both this life and the one to come! For all eternity. Jesus is like the gift that keeps on giving. We are given peace, access to God, faith, grace, hope, perseverance, love of God and the Holy Spirit, deliverance from wrath, salvation and rejoicing! This costly Gift is ours; free for the taking, bringing endless joy and satisfaction.

Have we taken the opportunity to receive this gift? It cannot be ours unless we receive it! Christmas is a great time to open this gift! Have we received these gifts and put them on the shelf by failing to spend time with God and study His Word? The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence! Seek Him this Christmas!