Christ’s presence “extends from generation to generation.” “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” I hope people say that they can see Jesus living in and through me.
Christmas means that we can experience Christ’s mercy, power, and presence right now–this very moment–all the days of our life. Jesus isn’t just a memory blast from the past. His presence is the ultimate present for the present! It extends from generation to generation. Unwarp and carry His present-day reality with you everywhere you go.
The mercy and presence of Christ “extend to those who fear Him (are in awe of His holiness), from generation to generation.” Let’s ever humble ourselves before His presence and allow Him to daily save us from the worry and pride that plague us. Let the actual presence of the risen Jesus continually overshadow your problems and your ego with His mighty power, mercy, and holiness.
To talk about Christmas but ignore the literal everyday presence of the living Jesus is to miss the point of Advent. Jesus wasn’t born so we can celebrate His birthday with presents once a year. He was born so we can live in His presence all year long!
To put Christ in Christmas means more than merely talking about Him. It requires opening your heart to and experiencing His actual presence. Unwrap the never-ending Christmas presence (Emmanual–God with us) and enjoy Jesus throughout each year!
If you aren’t as excited about Jesus as you once were, you’ve lost your first love for Him and your awareness of His presence. Lukewarm Christianity has lost its thrill and become ceremonial, routine, and obligatory. Christmas is a wake-up call, not a snooze alarm! Hear and obey Him.
I want to be a lighter
Brightly lighting up the land
With the living presence
Of Jesus Christ the Lord.
I want to be a sighter
Seeing Jesus everywhere
As on Christ the Rock I stand
And walk with Him hand in hand.
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