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John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We were out taking our yearly family photo. Wow, what an adventure of trying to get all of us together and looking at the camera!, and the kids were getting antsy. Good thing I brought snacks! Though the parents wanted to wait until all the pictures were done, I snuck a few snacks to the kids…well, really all the kids. I guess I exercised “Papa-privilege.” Anyway, as we were snacking down, one of the grandkids sat next to me. I asked her if she wanted another snack. She said, “No, Papa, I just want to be with you.” She then slipped her arm around mine and leaned in. I scooted closer and we had a little moment. And yes, we ate a few more snacks. As we were walking back to the car, I was talking with some of the older grandkids and they were talking about Christmas. They were asking if they were coming over and if the whole family was spending the night. I said, ‘yes’ and one said, “That’s the best present at Christmas, all of us being together!” I replied, “It’s the present of presence.” They looked at me funny and one of the boys yelled out “squirrel,” and they all took off running.
As the boys were off on their little adventure, it made me think again about the power and blessing of our interactions with others, the present of presence. God intended for us to be social creatures. We are pre-wired to interact. Something amazing happens when we contact, interact, and engage each other. We give and receive love, affirmation, honor, help, care, kindness, and more. The Bible encourages us to be that present of presence.
Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
In a world of separation, isolation, and individualism, being with other people takes a bit of preparation. Yes, arranging our schedules and making plans to get together with others, but also to check our emotional health. If we are walking into a time with others with our own emotional batteries greatly depleted, it will eventually affect our conversations and interactions. We could tend to second guess people’s responses against our own sense of self or want to lead a conversation to fill a deeper need of attention. It’s being mindful and asking the Lord to encourage you. As well, to take a moment before interacting with others and do something fun or enjoyable. I know one friend who before big family gatherings takes time to go to a park and read a book, or take a walk or hike so they are ready to be fully present in their presence!
During this holiday time of Christmas and the New Year why not give the well-prepared present of presence. It may be the best gift you give to others and yourself.
God has a lot to say about our emotional health and our interaction with others. Church is a great place to gain God’s insights. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We have a number of lovely Christmas Eve services, and we are gathering both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to give the presents of presence along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
