Merry Christmas, everybody, and welcome to Highlands Fellowship! To our campuses in Marion, Bristol, and Bluefield, to those of you here in Abingdon in our Cafe, Chapel, Country Tent, or in this room, and those joining us online and on TV, a big Highlands welcome to each of you! To those joining us for the very first time, we want to say a big welcome to you as well. Make yourselves feel at home because, as we like to say around here, Highlands is home. I can't tell you how excited I am to spend this time together worshiping the one true God, praising Him together. It's such a special time already today.
Today, we are finishing up our series called Coming Home for Christmas. When you hear that phrase, it stirs all kinds of emotions—some good, some maybe not so good. But Christmas is a special time. When we look at what God says in His Word and what He did by sending Jesus to be born as a human being and coming to this earth to be with us, it shows us that God really is a good God. When He says He desires for us to come home to Him and be part of His family, it is truly an invitation to something wonderful.
God Is With Us
We start today by reading a verse from the Christmas story found in Matthew 1:23: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child. She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" This is such a powerful piece of Scripture. For me, I often read this verse as just words on a page, but today, I want to take a few minutes to unpack its implications. What does it mean that God is with us? What does it mean that God is with me?
This verse takes me back to the Christmas story from my childhood when my parents would read the Bible to us. I would imagine being there in those moments. I believe the Bible, the story of Jesus' birth, and that God sent His Son to live among us. Experiencing Christmas as a child feels so magical—the lights, presents, foods, candies, nativity scenes, and the birth of Jesus. As Jesus grew and began His ministry, He taught us incredible truths, including receiving the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15).
Presence matters, especially to a child. For example, during a storm, a child finds comfort in the presence of their parents. Similarly, a child of faith personalizes God's omnipresence by saying, "My God is with me." Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Hebrews 13:5 also assures us: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Experiencing God's Presence
How do we experience God's presence? Let me make it simple with four truths:
- Talk to Him: Have an ongoing conversation with God, as you would with a friend. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray about everything and experience God's peace.
- Listen to Him: Deuteronomy 30:20 reminds us to listen to God's voice. God speaks through His Word, people, circumstances, and His Spirit. Take time to be still and listen.
- Receive from Him: With childlike faith, receive what God wants to give—courage, strength, rest, and comfort. As Isaiah 66:13 says, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."
- Enjoy His Presence: Delight in being with God. Psalm 16:11 says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."
Invitation to Come Home
Today, God is inviting you to be part of His family. He is saying, "Come home for Christmas." If you have never accepted His free gift of grace, you can do so now by admitting your sins, believing in Jesus as your Savior, and confessing Him as Lord (Romans 10:9).
Prayer
God, we thank You for the opportunity to be in Your presence. You love us so much that You sent Jesus to live among us. Help us never take Your presence for granted. With childlike faith, may we say, "My God is with me."
If anyone here has not accepted Jesus, may they pray: "God, I admit my sins. I believe You sent Jesus to die for my sins and rose again. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen."
We celebrate with those who have come to know Christ today. Let us walk alongside them as they grow in their faith. Thank You, God, for Your love and presence in this Christmas season. Amen.