A Different Kind of “Present”

By Pastor E

Following along with Pastor Dan and Pastor Tim over the past couple weeks, we have been looking at Jesus–fully divine and fully human. Although this is a concept that can be difficult to wrap our minds around, Jesus was both! 

Especially during this time of the year, we sing, speak, and read about Jesus who is Emmanuel–God with us. Jesus was sent to earth to take on human form, to experience the life of those whom he loved so much. Jesus was not only the greatest “present” of all generations, but because he was “with us” he was also “present.” Jesus walked and lived among his children; his presence alone brought excitement, joy, hope, healing, and love to a world that so badly needed it! He was Emmanuel, “present” with us. 

Even today, although Jesus is seated with God the Father in Heaven, he is present with us right now. His presence can be seen through the work of the Holy Spirit bringing us strength, hope, love, and peace. We are never alone in this world! Even in the darkest of times, the most desperate of hours, in our joy and happiness, in our ups and downs, and in every moment, JESUS IS PRESENT with us! 

Jesus is also present in the work he does through each of his children. This past week our youth ministry delivered Christmas presents, gift cards, and a full Christmas dinner to eight of our neighbors in need. We showed up on their doorsteps, all 50 of us, to bring a small bit of joy, to pray over them, to sing to them, letting them know that they were not alone…our youth were PRESENT and in those moments, Jesus was PRESENT too! 

Never underestimate the power of being  present in the lives of other people, just showing up. Jesus will use you in mighty ways to bless others, to bring them hope, to shower them with peace and love when they need it the most. Who doesn’t want someone to see them, to be there, to be PRESENT! Can you think of a time when someone was present in your life? Take a second to give God thanks for that person/persons. 

How can you and your family be PRESENT in the world this Christmas season? Get up, and go be a “present” to someone else by being PRESENT!  

Here is a message from one of the families we delivered Christmas joy to…I’m so proud of our students…they were “present” that day!!

“Friendship,

Thank you for giving our family an unforgettable Christmas.

Thank you to each and every person who contributed their time, organized this, bought gifts, wrapped them and delivered them. We were speechless. When all of a sudden there are 40 plus people and they are gifting you an entire Christmas meal, presents for your entire family, serenading “We wish you a Merry Christmas” and praying over our family, it’s a wee bit overwhelming. Youth group–THANK YOU. This has been one of the hardest years we have ever experienced. Miraculously (thankfully) God allowed T–- to survive a medical emergency this year that happened as a result of an 11 ft. fall followed 10 days later by emergency surgery.  We are so grateful he is still here. God isn’t finished with him yet! It is humbling to let others know when you are struggling; it is difficult to swallow pride and admit you’re not able to do it all.Your entire group was faith in action. One person couldn’t have accomplished it all.  It took every single one of you and we are so incredibly grateful and thankful for you.

Before I end this thank you note–Teens You Showed Up!  LETS GO!!!!  KEEP SERVING HIM IN ALL YOU DO!!! Thank you. It meant a lot to see each and every one of you. Thank you for your willingness to help others. Thank you for being part of giving our family an unforgettable Christmas. Thank you for praying with us and reminding us that God sees us through the difficult times and not only meets our needs, he exceeds those needs and shows his love for us through you.

-In Heartfelt Gratitude, The B–— family”

Recent Updates