“The Present of God’s Presence” Luke 2:1-14

¹ “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

⁸ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

As the Lord allows, this coming Sunday morning I will begin a series of four sermons focused on the Christmas Story!

This week I will focus on the prophecy that God, Himself, would come to be with us and pay the penalty for our sins! Over the years, the secular world has all but taken over the Christmas Season. Wise sales people and advertisers have concocted a new vision of what this sacred occasion is truly about.

Yes, indeed, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season!”

It is His arrival that we celebrate. The story of His birth, life, death, and resurrection begins with Christmas and ends with Easter. HE came to be with us to pay for our sins.

It has been well and often pointed out that “God gave the gift of His Son; the Magi brought gifts to Him; and, the world has been giving one another gifts ever since!”

Of all of the presents ever given at Christmas, the greatest “Present” ever given was the “Presence” of God with Us in the Person of Jesus Christ!

Everyone who loves family and friends knows that their “presence” with us is far more important than any “presents” we could receive. It is this reality we celebrate – that one’s “presence” is more important than their “presents.”

Our passage reveals that the “Presence” of God with us was the predetermined plan of almighty God! From the Garden of Eden through the Prophets of Israel, to the glorious arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem; Christmas was not an afterthought; it was the eternal decree of God.

Furthermore, the Present of God’s Presence was both personal and permanent! God did not come merely for the “world” but, for His individual people who are in the world. He came to be with us; and, He will never leave us nor forsake us!

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.” Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, has come to be with us and His “presence” was the greatest “present” ever given to anyone anywhere.

Many people use God like a bellhop or an ATM. But to those of us who love HIM, HE is precious! It is HIS presence, not HIS presents that thrill our regenerated soul!

We learn that “The Present of HIS Presence” is a cause for worship and praise! “Glory to God in the highest…” What else is there to say; what other paean could express the deepest joys of our hearts?

No, not HIS presents, it is HIS presence that we seek and in which we rejoice. As the Christmas Season begins, let us focus afresh and anew on the joy of knowing Jesus and “the Present of HIS Presence in our life!”

I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!