Christmas is a time to celebrate Emmanuel, “God with us” in the person of Christ, which is a precious truth. But there is another aspect of his coming that is often overlooked. That is, he not only came to be “with us,” he also came to live “in us.” Writing to the church in Colossae, the Apostle Paul said, “God chose to make known [to us] how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

The New Testament teaches that Christ dwells within us by his Spirit which is given to all who trust him. Attempting to live the Christian life apart from the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car without gas: it’s just not going to happen. You may blow the horn, listen to the radio, roll the windows up and down, but you’re not going anywhere. Likewise, it's entirely possibly to go through the motions of Christianity and yet not possess Christ! When Jesus lives in a person three characteristics will be manifested in their life:

1. Purity

Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem with a whip. He cleanses the temple that is our bodies by his Spirit working in us. Believers certainly may sin, but the New Testament teaches that they will not remain in permanent carnality. We might get a temporary thrill from sin, but the Holy Spirit will work through our conscience to bring conviction leading to repentance. Continuing in sin will bring the Lord’s chastening to bear. The absence of such discipline indicates a person remains in an unregenerate state, without salvation.

There are views on sanctification (the process of maturing in Christ) that separate conversion from the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Some teach a person can be saved and live as a “carnal” Christian for years until through some crisis they surrender their lives to the Lord. Others talk about a second work of grace or being baptized with the Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues.

I’m afraid such teaching gives false assurance to nominal Christians who entertain the idea that one day, when they’re ready, they will “get right,” “re-dedicate,” or finally “surrender to Christ.” The reformed view of sanctification teaches that salvation and sanctification are inseparable. We are justified and sanctified at the moment of conversion (see 1 Corinthians 6:11). Granted, this is a progressive process and Christians can be at different levels of spiritual growth, but there will be a degree of transformation.

2. Power

The key to effective ministry is never talent, natural ability, knowledge, programs or facilities. It is the Holy Spirit working through people devoted to Christ. The Apostle Peter explains: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:11)

Jesus’ life was lived out in a relatively small area, but through his Spirit living and working through us he lives in every nation, every town, village, neighborhood, school--you name it. The old hymn says it well:

Channels only blessed Master, but with all Thy wondrous power Flowing through us, Thou can use us, every day and every hour.

3. Peace

Before he departed to return to the Father, Jesus told his disciples that he would send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be in them (see John 14:17). Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” By his Spirit, he is with us in every circumstance to guide and comfort in all our trials. Christians through the centuries have testified to the awesome, glorious and mighty presence of God in the midst of great suffering and adversity. Even when we come to the end of our journey and walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. Why? Because he is with us.

What a great truth this is: God’s presence in the lives of his people! Living in obedience to Christ, relying on him completely to use us as He sees fit, and manifesting peace in the midst of life’s storms tells the world that Christ has come to earth indeed. The world needs to see him, to hear him, to experience him--and if they’re going to see him, it’s going to be through the lives of those who know him.

There was once a school that conducted a project that required students to bring their birth certificates to class. A little girl’s mom told her to be very careful to be sure not to lose it, but lose it she did. Her teacher found her outside crying on the steps of the school. “What’s wrong sweetheart?” The girl replied, “I lost my excuse for being born.”

Hey, have you lost your excuse for being born? We were born again into God’s family for his own glorious purpose. We were saved to serve Jesus and as we allow him to live through us by his Spirit, others will be touched by the glory of his presence!