“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
At Christmas, we celebrate a wondrous truth: God’s presence is with us.
In that Bethlehem stable, the Almighty clothed Himself in flesh, stepped into time, and made His dwelling among us. The Creator became part of His creation so that we could one day live forever in His presence. In His presence is the fulfillment of everything we love.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
God’s presence is a powerful reason to celebrate Christmas.
We often talk about the “spirit of Christmas,” but what truly makes this season holy is God’s presence—a gift no earthly wrapping could contain. Jesus didn’t come merely to be near us; He came to make His home within us. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that God’s presence is His greatest gift to humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned, the tragedy wasn’t losing paradise—it was losing fellowship with God. Ever since that moment, God’s plan has been to restore His presence among His people. My friend, God longs for us to know Him.
“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
God’s presence brings joy, peace, strength, comfort, and direction. It is what our soul longs for even when we don’t realize it. At Christmas, God proved that His desire for a relationship with us is so great that He would come Himself to bridge the distance between heaven and hell. When we are born again, God’s presence not only dwells within us—it goes before us. His promise to Israel is the same promise to us.
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
Moses refused to move forward without the presence of God. He understood that victory, protection, and peace were not possible without God walking before him.
We need to live with that same acute awareness today.
When we’re driving home in the rain after a long day, when the doctor’s report shakes us, when family conflict tries to steal our joy—God’s presence can still go before us—if we’re willing to follow. He doesn’t promise an easy road, but He promises His company on every mile of it. Think of it this way: GPS is useless without a signal connection. God’s presence is that divine connection that keeps us on course when life’s detours would otherwise lead us astray.
The Bible is clear that God’s presence doesn’t exempt us from hardship. But we get to be part of the miracle of Him sustaining us through it. He promises:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.” Isaiah 43:2
Notice that verse doesn’t say “if” you pass through the waters—it says “when.” Trouble is certain, but so is God’s presence—when we desire Him. Think about the three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3, when they were thrown into the furnace for refusing to worship an idol, yet the king saw a fourth man walking in the flames—one who looked “like the Son of God.”
God doesn’t always remove the fire, but He ALWAYS stands beside us in the middle of it.
Maybe your “fire” right now is the loss of someone you love, financial stress, or a burden for a child who’s walked away from faith. The good news is that Emmanuel—“God with us”—still protects, purifies, and produces peace. The presence of God doesn’t just comfort—it empowers us. Jesus promised us:
“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
God’s presence empowers us to do His will, to serve, to disciple, and to reflect His light in a dark world. But to experience His presence in a rich and meaningful way, we must have His mind and His attitudes. Life gives us endless distractions: screens, schedules, and stress. But none of them can replace the stillness and joy that come from simply being aware of His presence in ordinary moments—while driving, working, cooking, or walking. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s presence can permeate every area of our life.
This Christmas, let’s thank God not only for WHAT He’s given but for WHO He is and…that we get the great gift of dwelling in His presence!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You are my peace in the storm, my strength in weakness, my joy in sorrow, and my hope in every season. Help me to be aware of Your presence in every moment. Teach me to walk with You, to listen to Your Spirit, and to reflect Your love to others. Thank You for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus—for salvation, purpose, family, protection, and the privilege of serving in Your Kingdom. Keep me thankful, Lord, and may Your presence fill my life always. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
