Welcome to Hank’s Place –
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The reading for today is Matthew 2:1&2. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
These wise men, when made aware of Jesus’ birth — did what? They — sought Him out. They — went to Him. Why? To be in His presence. To worship Him. That’s wisdom then; that’s wisdom NOW.
Some time ago, a friend of mine suggested that the most important present at Christmas is — His Presence! That’s a powerful truth!
In Genesis we find Adam and Eve being visited by the Lord, most likely daily. His Presence coming to them.
Then sin came around. The presence of God that Adam and Eve once knew freely — was no longer.
Except for some visitations to a person here and there, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night for Israel in the desert, and some temple visitations, God’s Presence was not to be found.
Until the Messiah. Jesus. Immanuel. God with us. Isaiah 7:14. To overcome mankind’s sin and ensure His purposes, the Creator became our Redeemer. And brought His presence back to His people.
In the beginning God was with man in the Garden of Eden. Then in Revelation 21:3 we find a new heavens, and a new earth, and, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”
Isn’t that fantastic? Scripture begins and ends with God’s Presence with man! Can you believe that God wants to be with us EVEN MORE than we want to be with Him!
When we were born again, Christ came to dwell with us. His presence actually IN us! Colossians 1:27. And the epistles contain many passages saying we’ve been placed IN HIM, wow!
But we want to experience more, don’t we? I mean, to be more aware of Him. To EXPERIENCE Him with every aspect of our being, right? How can we?
For a start, let’s ask Him. Start talking with Him as if He were right there, because HE IS! He is not far away; He is right there WITH YOU! Ask Him to speak with you and then LISTEN! Listen as you worship. Listen as you give Him praise. EXPECT to experience His presence as you invite Him to be with you.
Hey! You’ll COME ALIVE! What a Merry Christmas!
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