Do you remember being a kid and going out to play with your friends the days following Christmas?
Some kids had new bikes, others had skateboards, some had new dolls or kitchen sets, and some had new shotguns. Most everyone was excited to “show off” what they had. But some didn’t say much – finances at home had been tight and their Christmas presents were new socks or a jacket, a couple pair of new jeans or sneakers. Some gifts brought joy and others an element of embarrassment. I remember both of those kinds of Christmases.
This morning the verses that came to mind were verses on singing. Nothing to be ashamed of here.
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 ESV
The gift of God’s presence is one of the greatest presents ever, His presence is our present!
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
He is our Shepherd. He leads us, He guides us, He causes us to rest, He protects us!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ESV
The “presence”, presents, of God are something to sing about. As His children we have bragging rights directed at our Father’s goodness.
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3 ESV
Because Jesus came, we have the message of the Father’s love. Because Jesus died, we receive forgiveness of sin and we are welcome in the Father’s presence
“ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV
Jesus made us a present to the Father and in turn, the Father gave us His presence. My favorite present!