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Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

You are here: Home / Encouragement to Abide / A True Gift – The Presence of Jesus

A True Gift – The Presence of Jesus

December 11, 2017 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

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My sweet little grandson, just two months old, is a fresh reminder of the fragility of mankind and the great innocence of an infant. It is truly a miracle that Jesus entered the world as a tiny baby. His coming, His presence, is a true gift!

As I sit and write this, an instrumental version of Silent Night plays behind me. It sounds like something from a movie score and my heart is so moved by it. Music has that ability, doesn’t it?

But what moves my heart, truly, is the subject of this song. My sweet, sweet Savior came to earth in the form of a human baby. A baby! A precious infant who grew into a man, rejected and despised by many, and gave His life for this world He dearly loves so that any who believe in Him may have salvation. (Luke 2:10-11, Isaiah 53:3, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10)

One of my favorite lines from another Christmas carol, O Holy Night (which Lindsey Bell wrote about here), is this:  “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!” That line makes me think of all the Old Testament prophecy that was spoken regarding Jesus and waited so long to be fulfilled. How people must have hungered for Him!

It’s a profound blessing to live this side of the cross and walk in the fulfilled promise. We serve a Savior who came as a baby, died on the cross, yet rose again and still lives. For those of us who’ve accepted Him, He comes to make His abode in our hearts. (Need to read that one more time? I do!)

Friends, this man who came in human flesh to be present in this sinful world gave us His Spirit. He is present with us. Deep heart-knowledge of this makes me want to fall on my knees in humble adoration!

A True Gift: The Presence of Jesus. Jesus came to change our past, present, and future. Read more about why He came and what that means at DoNotDepart.com
 

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:10-11)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

 

What joy! Because Jesus walked this earth and gave His life, three things are different for me:

Jesus came to change our past, present, and future. What joy! #ChristmasPresence

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  1. My Past. Without this sweet, holy infant, there would be no forgiveness of sins, leading to salvation. My past would still linger and my sins and guilt would be piled high. With Him, my sins are washed away and cast to the ocean floor, and I can take on His righteousness. I’m so thankful to live free of this burden! (Isaiah 1:18, Micah 7:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
  2. My Present.  Without Jesus, today would have no direction, no hope, no help, no continuing forgiveness, no comfort from the Spirit. Because of Him, I have no need to fear. I have guidance, hope, peace, and comforting companionship. (Psalm 27:1, John 8:12, 1 Timothy 1:1, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:16-17)
  3. My Future.  Without my Savior, my future would be bleak – my tomorrow and my eternity. By accepting His gift of salvation, I’m promised hope and help tomorrow and after, and an eternity with Him. I’m promised living water that wells up to eternal life! Though today may seem weary and bleak (some days do, don’t they?), I can always rejoice in Him. (1 Peter 1:3-6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, John 4:13-14, Philippians 4:4)

And as a special little Christmas gift for you, here’s a printable list of all the verses mentioned in this post. Just click to download, then print!
 Christmas Presence Verses

I pray, friends, that as you focus on the presence of Jesus this Christmas, you will be blessed by knowing that He came to change your past, your present, and your future! And this message is not only for ourselves– a dark and weary world needs to know of Jesus. I pray that your rejoicing would lead to opportunities to share His light and beauty with others.

 

The presence of Jesus is a true gift!

Ali

The presence of Jesus is a true gift! #ChristmasPresence

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About Ali Shaw

Ali Shaw can’t believe how blessed her life is! Wife of 20+ years. Momma to three daughters (two that she’s still homeschooling). She serves on the HelloMornings Leadership Team… and is just in awe that God will use a regular girl like her! Woven with practical insight, her writing lovingly encourages other women to seek God daily through the reading and study of His Word. She’s learning to serve her Precious Lord more and more, day by day. She blogs at Heartfelt Reflections. Read more posts by Ali

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