Centered on God’s Presence

The greatest gift wasn’t ordered online or placed under the tree to be discovered in the early morning. It was sent from heaven through a virgin birth and laid in a manger. It was proclaimed from heaven to lowly shepherds and revealed to wise men. The greatest gift came in the presence of “God with us,” Emmanuel.

The moment Jesus came to this earth, He gave us a gift only a few had ever experienced—His presence. He encountered many people as He walked this earth, always inviting them in as He taught, instructed, healed, and even disciplined. His love drew people close and impacted them forever. And He gave His life so that we might experience His presence forever.

God’s gift of presence is what we are called to share in the Christmas season—the story of Jesus coming to earth for us. It is our responsibility to remind our girls of that gift this month. In all that we say and do, we should be encouraging them to focus on the gift of His presence and what it means for every person.

Here are some simple ways you can encourage your girls to focus on Christ this Christmas:

• Service projects – Plan some service projects to do with your girls. Help someone in the church or community to decorate for Christmas, raise money to bless a family in need with Christmas gifts, or collect food to provide Christmas meals. Let it be a teaching opportunity on generosity and how Christ gave of himself to help those in need. 

• Advent devotionals – Walk through an Advent devotional together, whether in person or through a group text or online space. This gives you the opportunity to daily help your girls focus on scripture leading up to Christmas day.

• Sunday morning teaching – Consider a short series on how Christ modeled giving the gift of presence. Teach your girls see how Jesus showed up for people. Help them discover practical ways they can be present in their relationships with others. 

• Give the gift of your presence – Show up for your girls in meaningful ways. Attend their school Christmas events and performances or invite them into your everyday moments—running Christmas errands, baking cookies and drinking hot cocoa, hosting a simple game night. Your presence may be what God uses to remind them that they are seen. 

• Use your student ministry Christmas party as an evangelism opportunity – Don’t let the fun overshadow the purpose. Share the gospel clearly, reminding your girls and their friends why Jesus came and the hope He brings. Then give them the chance to receive the greatest gift ever given. 

Let Christ and the gift of His presence be at the center of all your celebrating this December.