The Gift of Presence: God With Us

The Fine Print — Week 1 of “Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven”

Happy December!

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “December”? For each of us, the answer might look different depending on where we are in the world, what season of life we’re in, or how we were raised.

But one thing we can all agree on is this: December marks the end of the calendar year.

And before we go any further, can we just pause and worship our Savior? He has been so consistent, so faithful, so loving, and so righteous.

Here we are, the first Monday in the last month of the year, not because we earned it, but because of His faithfulness.

Lord, we thank You. If we had ten thousand tongues, it still wouldn’t be enough.

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Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven

This month, we’re stepping into a blog series called “Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven.” Each week, we’ll turn our hearts toward our faithful Father and the gifts He has so graciously given us.

I challenge you this month to fix your eyes on Jesus. What do I mean by that? Draw your attention to who He is and what He has already done for you throughout this year. Allow His Word to shape your heart until He becomes your focus, your anchor, and your compass.

Here’s a sweet reminder: He loves you, dear friend—so very much. Take a deep breath; that’s evidence of His unfailing love.

The world will try to keep your focus on what you don’t have, encouraging comparison and complaining. But please hear me: it’s time to open your eyes to the gifts that are already yours as an heir of the Kingdom.

Let’s expose the lies of the enemy together and unwrap our daily bread, the Word of God. This week, we begin with one of the greatest gifts of all: The Gift of Presence.

Our Father gives good gifts. Are you ready to unwrap this one?

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The Gift of Presence

Before we ever unwrap blessings, breakthroughs, or answered prayers, there’s one gift that has always been within reach: the gift of His presence.

For the one who’s been whispering, “God, where are You?” this is a gentle reminder that He’s right here, right now. He hasn’t left you, friend. He never will.

I pray that in this very moment you are overwhelmed with a fresh weight of His glory, so much so that you feel the outstretched hand of the Father holding you close.

I believe Your Word, Lord, for it says, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1). Your reach is limitless, and Your presence knows no boundaries. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your presence.

Even Solomon stood in awe of this truth when he said, “Will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You” (1 Kings 8:27). And David echoed that same wonder when he said, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7).

Every word points back to this breathtaking reality: You are here. Not far away, not unreachable, not silent—You are God with us.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift that reminds us we are never alone, never forgotten, and never beyond Your reach.

God’s presence is immeasurable, uncontainable, and yet deeply personal. He fills all things, yet still chooses to dwell with His people. So you see, this isn’t a gift that can be wrapped in a box or tied with a bow. Amazon Prime could never deliver this kind of gift.

This gift is timeless. God’s presence isn’t seasonal; it’s steady.

Sometimes, His presence looks like peace in a moment that should’ve broken you. Sometimes, it’s the strength that helps you get out of bed when the weight feels too heavy. Other times, it’s the quiet comfort that fills the room when no one else understands.

And that same Spirit, the very One who hovered over the waters in Genesis, is hovering over your life right now. You may not see Him, but you can be sure He’s near, working in ways you can’t yet perceive.

Because His Word promises, “The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

So as we unwrap this first gift from Heaven, let’s hold on to this truth: His presence is the gift that makes all other gifts possible. 

It’s the promise that you are never alone, never forgotten, and never without Him.

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The Gift That Keeps on Giving

In a season where the world tells us to chase after more...more gifts, more plans, more proof that we’ve had a “good year”, let’s pause and remember the gift that doesn’t fade when the lights come down.

The presence of God is the gift that keeps on giving. It doesn’t wear out, run out, or sell out. It’s not something you can return, replace, or upgrade. It’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And the beauty of it all? You didn’t have to earn it. It’s yours because He chose you.

The same King who rules heaven and earth, the One who sits high but looks low, calls you beloved. The same God who spoke galaxies into existence still whispers your name in love.

His Word reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

That means every sunrise, every breath, every answered prayer, and even every tear that led to healing—it’s all evidence of His nearness. You are more blessed than you realize.

When Jesus came to earth as Emmanuel, God with us, He didn’t just come to visit; He came to stay. He is the gift that never leaves your side.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

So as you move through this month—through the gatherings, the quiet nights, the reflections, and the resolutions—don’t let the wrapping paper of life distract you from the wonder of His presence.

You are loved by the King of kings. You are seen by the Lord of lords. And you are held by the God who gives and keeps on giving.

Take a moment to breathe that in. That’s the real gift of this season—and it’s already yours.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of Your presence. Thank You for being faithful. Forgive me for the times I have taken the gift of Your presence for granted. I choose to align my focus on You. You are the Author and the Finisher of my faith.

Lord, for the person reading this, I pray that You meet them in this very moment. Pour out a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit. Silence the voice of the enemy by allowing the blood of Jesus to speak on their behalf.

Holy Spirit, if anyone lacks wisdom on how to steward the presence of the Lord, I ask that You give them wisdom. All they have to do is receive it in their hearts.

I pray that the presence of the Lord will rest on them while at work, while spending time with family and friends, or while sitting quietly at home.

Thank You, Lord, for doing only what You can do. 

I believe it is done, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Monday, we’ll continue our series “Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven” with Week 2: The Gift of Peace — Calm in the Chaos.

We’ve unwrapped His presence; next, we’ll unwrap His peace—the kind that anchors your soul even when life feels uncertain.

Stay close, friend. The best is still to come.