Welcome to Hank’s Place —
“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.” Matthew 2:1-2.
These wise men, magi, when made aware of Jesus’ birth — what did they do? 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.
A couple of days ago, a friend of mine, Mike, suggested that the most important presents this Advent season were — His Presence! Now – that’s a powerful truth!
At the beginning of Scripture we find Adam and Eve being visited by the Lord God, likely daily. His Presence coming to them; in their midst.
Then sin came around. The presence of God that Adam and Eve once knew freely — was no longer free.
Except for some visitations to a person here and there, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night for wandering Israel, and some temple visitations, God’s Presence was not to be found.
Until Jesus the Christ. 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.
If you look in the book of Revelation, you will find in a sense, that the first place of God with man, the Garden of Eden, has expanded. 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.” Revelation 21:3.
Isn’t that fantastic? Genesis begins with God’s Presence with man, and Revelation ends the same way, but better!
In His grace, God in Christ entered human history, became a man, walked among humanity, and died for us to reconcile us back to Himself. Do you get it dear friend? God wants to be with you EVEN MORE than you want to be with Him!
When we were born again, Christ came to dwell with us. His presence actually IN us! Colossians 1:27. But we want 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?
Why not ask Him for that? Start talking with Him as if He were right there, because HE IS! Meditate on Him, there WITH YOU! He’s not far away! Ask Him to speak with you and then LISTEN! Listen as you worship. Listen as you give Him praise for who He is, what He has done. EXPECT to experience His presence.
You will! You’ll COME ALIVE! What a Merry Christmas!
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