Presents, Presence, Present-ing... what's it all mean?

A Story of Presents ~ I have this picture of my grandfather sitting at the very first drum set I ever owned.  The picture is undated so honestly I’m not sure which Christmas it was taken… but I was really young.  It would be years (until 6^th grade) before I would ever learn how to make something remotely “musical” come from a drum but in hindsight… I see something I didn’t see for a long time.   That present ended up being something that I would later offer back to God.  Today I play the drums as a spiritual act of worship.  The question is:  Did God need another drummer?

I love the story of the Little Drummer Boy.  Guess what?  It’s not in the Bible.  The whole concept is… but there is no direct scriptural account to back it up.  Rather, we simply find time and time again that God takes those who feel ordinary, unworthy, or with nothing to offer… and welcomes them.  They become the first picked when dividing teams on the playground even. 

 

A Story of Presence

John 1:14 ~ The Word became flesh and made his DWELLING AMONG US. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 1:18-23 ~ … 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, “GOD WITH US."

It’s the most baffling of thoughts.  That God would subject himself to the mess.  Sure, we had seen brief appearances and the use of someone to speak on His behalf… but this time it was personal.  The praise chorus Emmanuel states “God with us, revealed in us.  His name is called Emmanuel”.  Revealed in us… the body of believers.  He not only walked among us, but the word of God says that He is in us!  He is present!

A Story of Present-ing

Romans 12:1 ~ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to OFFER YOUR BODIES as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your SPIRITUAL ACT of worship.

What do you have to give this Christmas?  A talent, some money, some time?  It’s nothing if you haven’t first given what God desires most… you!  All the rest will follow.  Understand that he wants you and all that comes with it… including the least desirable parts.  God doesn’t need another drummer… he desires the willing heart!  Will you approach the manger and play for him?