by David Chadwick Christmas is all about Jesus. The true miracle of Christmas is found in the rescue mission God sent Jesus on to save the world. It’s a miraculous story full of good news! It’s a story that tells the greatest miracle ever told, and this is a time to remember that miracles can still happen today. In a time that often centers around presents in our consumer culture, let’s all remember this truth: Christmas is really all about God’s presence. Sure, we love presents. They are fun! But the true meaning of Christmas is about the presence of God. God came down to be with us. When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he referred to God as Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23-25). Sometimes God used angels in Scripture to increase people’s awareness of his presence. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha and his servant saw the host of angels and realized, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” This miracle of the awareness of God’s support and nearness gave them great courage in a time of need. In Luke 2:13-21 we see the heavenly hosts, angel armies, that accompanied Jesus’s birth. They were praising God and giving glory to him! This miracle, heaven meeting earth to reveal God’s nearness, gave great joy and wonder to the shepherds as they were tending their flocks. When we receive Jesus, he promises to be with us forever (Matthew 28:20). Indeed, he is even IN us (Colossians 1:27). Never leaving us. Never forsaking us. Never deserting us. Forever caring for us. Always empowering us in all things (Philippians 4:13). Meeting our every need. A miraculous promise to all of us who believe. And promising us an eternal home with him (John 14:1-3). And our loved ones. And the other saints who have trusted in him. What HOPE! This is another true miracle of Christmas!