As children we focused on getting presents! And it really was all about the presents and the bows and the stockings and the fun new toys. But as I got older, I started to act like Christmas was still about the presents. Just in a little different way. I started to treat Christmas like it was all about how much I could give to my family and friends at Christmas time. But that’s not the point either.

This Advent season as we make our way closer and closer to Christmas morning we’re focusing on the difference that Christ makes in our Christmas celebrations. Our theme is a fun play on the word presence. It’s all about the presence. If you don’t read it, you could easily think that we’re saying Christmas is the presents! And if I’m being honest, for a long time I think I fell into that trap.

Christmas isn’t about getting or even giving presents (aka gifts)! It’s about being present. It’s about being here when you’re here and not somewhere else. Christmas really is all about the presence. It’s easy for us to lose sight of what matters most at Christmastime. The deals are great. The kids have wants. Our love language is giving or receiving gifts, but what if we could find a greater fulfilling this Christmas than a box of something that will break or that will soon need new batteries or in a few months will be out of style?

This week we focused on how the presence of Christmas brings peace. In the message below you’ll find the change that the peace of Christmas brings to your celebration. I pray this week that you find peace this Christmas. Leave the stress of the packages behind and cling to the one who’s presence in your life makes all the difference in the world. After all his presence is what Christmas is all about!