That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 1 John 1:1
In the above verse, we see the disciple John interacting with Jesus Christ, the Word. John had a personal relationship with his Savior. He not only heard Jesus’ teachings and watched Jesus’ example, John physically expressed his love for our Lord. He would have had personal contact such as hugging and touching, or whatever would have been appropriate in that culture. John’s expression of his faith was not a religious ceremony but was a heartfelt friendship with the Creator of the world. John desired to be in the presence of Jesus!
On the first Christmas, God’s present to all mankind was sending His Son. And Jesus came to restore His relationship with fallen man. The Old Testament rituals were not enough. The Ten Commandments were unable to bring God and man together. And the priest’s sacrifices could never restore this relationship either. So God did the one thing that was necessary. God became flesh. God and sinner reconciled.
God did not send Jesus to make us wealthy, successful, or popular. Jesus came to give Himself. Not only do we need to accept Jesus as our Savior but we must accept Jesus as our EXAMPLE. How can we become more like Jesus this holiday season? How can we be certain that we are focusing on “presence over presents?”
Let me list some questions to consider, so we can follow Jesus’ example:
– Am I so busy that I’m not taking time for others over the holidays?
– Has my focus become the presents under the tree or my presence around my family and friends?
– Does stress and anxiety cause me to lose patience with others?
– Have I filled my schedule so full with doing things that I am failing on becoming the person God wants me to be?
– Is commercialism and gift-giving a bigger desire than allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me?
– How consistent are my devotions? (personal time in prayer and Bible reading)