The presence of God never gets old, especially at Christmas. There’s nothing like it, really, this wonderful season, because it’s so precious.
And also in this season, for some, this year is very different than last. During our previous celebrations, perhaps a loss or a struggle has been experienced, something unfair that can never be restored.
For those experiencing struggle or the loss of things that can never be restored, we gather around you. That’s what this season is about, to support and comfort and to remind you that when the Lord allows a door to close, he has already begun to open another door. It’s so true. I’ve seen it many times in my own life. I’ve experienced that very thing in the lives of others.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed this Christmas season, God’s hand is on you; his blessing for you is so very real.
You know from Psalm 105 that his judgments have already established justice for you at the center of each life. God remembers his eternal covenant. This Psalm says the word that he commands concerning you never stops. He remembers his eternal covenant. The word he commands concerning you never, ever stops.
To belong to the Lord and have his hand on your life is greater than anything, greater than sadness, disappointment. His presence in your life is the highest condition possible. And it’s the perspective that prevails in this season, in the season of the celebration of Christmas. This perspective is his presence. Emmanuel, God with us, revealed in us.
So we take this as an opportune time to change yesterday’s clothes for new ones. It is, after all, a time of new life. It’s a birthing time.
I ask the Lord to bless, increase and prosper you and to bless your nation and mine with his presence, so that this greeting today is Merry Christmas. Happy Christmas.
Expect the presence of his miraculous life to come right into the center of your life, into the center of your family, such as it is. Every family is different, every nation is different. Your situation is unique. But we all have this in common, that he comes to us and he abides with us. He is our Lord, Emmanuel Emanuel, God with us, revealed in us.
Many are in turmoil, but remember: He makes himself known in the midst, no matter what.
Merry Christmas to you. We love you so much and we thank God for your life.