Christmas is not about the presents. It’s about the presence.
As Christmas approaches, many of us are busy with shopping, decorating and planning for the festivities. We want to make this time of the year special and memorable for ourselves and our loved ones. And that’s a good thing.
But in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, we may forget the true meaning of Christmas – the celebration of God’s presence with us.
Isaiah prophesied about God’s coming to be with us 700 years before it happened, and Matthew quoted that prophesy after Jesus’ time here on earth: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Jesus came to earth as a baby, born in a humble manger, to be our Savior and Lord through his act of love by going to the cross. He is the ultimate gift of God’s love and grace, the one who brings us peace and joy, the one who reconciles us to God and to each other. He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
But how do we celebrate Emmanuel? How do we honor his presence in the world and in our lives?
One way is to be present with others, as he was and is with us. Presence means more than just being physically near someone. It means giving them our full attention, listening to their stories, sharing their joys and sorrows, supporting their needs and dreams, and showing them that they matter.
Presence means being fully present in the moment, not distracted by our phones, our worries or our agendas. Presence means being intentional, authentic and compassionate. Presence means sharing with people in both the little moments and the big moments.
Yet being present with others is not always easy. It requires time, effort and sacrifice. It may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, crossing boundaries and facing challenges. It may mean giving up some of our own presents, our material possessions and our preferences.
But being present with others is also rewarding. It enriches our relationships, our communities and our souls. It reflects God’s image and character, his love and grace, his peace and joy. It honors Emmanuel – God with us.
This Christmas, let’s choose presence over presents. Let’s be present with our families and friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbors, and even strangers. Let’s be present with those who are lonely, hurting or marginalized. Let’s be present with those who are different from us, who challenge us or who disagree with us. Let’s be present with those who need to hear and see the good news of Emmanuel. Let’s share with them the good news of Emmanuel.
Here are just a few practical ways we can be present with others this Christmas season:
– Call or visit someone who is isolated or grieving.
– Invite someone who has no place to go to join your celebration.
– Volunteer at a nursing home or a local organization that’s dedicated to helping others.
– Donate to a charity that supports a cause you care about.
– Write a letter or a card to express your gratitude or appreciation.
– Pray for someone who is facing a difficulty or a decision.
– Share a meal, a gift or a hug with someone who needs it.
– Listen to someone who wants to talk or vent.
– Compliment someone who deserves it.
– Smile at someone who passes by.
In a world that’s constantly moving, the gift of presence is a rare and precious gift. When we give the gift of presence to others, we’re reflecting God’s love and grace. We’re showing them that they’re valued and loved. This can be especially important during the Christmas season, which can be a difficult time for many people. By being present with others, we can help them feel less alone and more connected to the world around them.
May we all experience and share the presence of Emmanuel this Christmas and always.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
