Parousia

Presence.

That is what Christmas is about—God's presence with us. The best Gift the Giver gives.

Not just His glory, as was in the Jerusalem Temple at one time, but His physical Presence with us in Emmanuel—Jesus our Savior. Additionally, it is about something even greater.

Because of Emmanuel's death and resurrection, we who follow Him, now have His Presence indwelling us. We walk the earth with Him in a more intimate way than our ancestors, Adam and Eve, walked with His Presence in the Garden of Eden. You could say that we who follow Jesus are walking around temples spread across the face of the earth bringing His Presence with us wherever we go. In fact, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that as we behold Him we become more and more likenesses of His glorious Presence.

Going a step further, that is in essence what we do through our prayers. As priests of this age, we bring His Presence into the lives of those for whom we intercede—family, friends, strangers, etc.

But, there is another Presence that the Bible speaks of, One that we often get too distracted by the things of the world to remember and live to. That is His Presence that Paul reminded the Thessalonians about.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?

Is it not even you in the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

1Thessalonians 2: 19 NKJ

Or put as the Greek translates, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not indeed you?" (Mounce) That word "coming" is the word parousia.

Parousia. That is what Christmas is all about. His Presence—now and forevermore.

As you celebrate, remember that just as the Promised Presence came in the form of a baby, His Presence will again step foot on this earth!

All of God’s promises have their yes in him.

That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (CEB)