At Christmas time we talk a lot about presents, what people want, maybe what they want Santa to bring and we add these wanted items to our shopping list, but God has been chatting with me about a different kind of present, P-R-E-S-E-N-C-E.
If there was no Jesus, there would be no Christmas. His presence in this world, Him coming to the scene, being born so He could die for us means everything.
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name, Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Jesus’s presence and arrival on this earth is the very reason why we celebrate Christmas. His name Immanuel, means God With Us! God with you and God With Me! God gets the importance of presence!!
He knew we couldn’t get out of the mess we made without Him, so He showed up, He was present. He knew that we when we pray it would help to know that we pray to a God who knows what it’s like to be human, to struggle, to face discouragement, to be misunderstood, betrayed by a friend and feel utterly alone, so He came.
The Gift of His presence means everything and I want my focus to be on that this Christmas. From the very first Christmas to the daily ins and outs of life, God remains present.
He is with us through our trials, in good times and in bad, when our world is crumbling and when we are tired from struggling with the same old thing. He listens to our needs, encourages us when life is tough, gives us wisdom when facing hard decisions, and rejoices with us when life is great.
He is God with you, God with us, He is Immanuel and His presence is the best present we will ever receive!! I am thankful for His presence in this world that first Christmas day and I am thankful for His presence in my life daily.
I pray that we would all experience and know the reality of His presence in our lives this Christmas season and every day of the year. His presence is the best present we will ever know!
Neeserisms 
AMEN!!! Oh the JOY of His presence with us! THANK You Lord!!!