Presents or Presence

Tyler Cooley John 1:1–18

INTRODUCTION: WHAT ARE WE REALLY SEEKING THIS CHRISTMAS?

Every year as kids, many of us waited eagerly for Christmas morning, imagining all the gifts under the tree. But as we grow up, we discover that material presents often fall short of true fulfillment. Deep down, what our hearts long for isn’t another item—it’s presence.

During the Christmas season, we often get caught up in the excitement of tangible gifts, decorations, and holiday events. But what if the greatest gift we need isn’t something wrapped in a box, but the very presence of God?

In Luke 2, when the shepherds heard the angels announce Christ’s birth, they weren’t just hearing news about a baby—they were experiencing the revelation of God dwelling among them. This Christmas, we must ask: Are we chasing presents…or God’s presence?

John 1:1–18 answers that question by revealing God’s ultimate gift—His presence with us through Jesus Christ.

SERMON BIG IDEA

God’s presence through Jesus Christ is a transformative reality that invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, offering hope and strength in our daily lives.

SUMMARY & TEACHING FOCUS

John introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos)—eternal, divine, and fully God—who became flesh to dwell among us. This passage teaches that Jesus is not merely historical; He is the very revelation of God, come close, come near, to invite us into relationship.

MAIN POINTS

1. Presence Begins With Eternity (John 1:1–5)

Before creation, before time, before anything existed—the Word was. Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He has always existed in perfect unity with the Father.

Teaching emphasis:

Jesus is the eternal source of life and light.

Eternal Life & Light!

Now ‘eternal’ not only concerns duration; it does mean that, but it means something else also. Eternal life means life of a certain quality. Life in this world is not only a temporary limited life; actually, as far as death is concerned, it is always, in a sense, a living death. Life outside God is not life, it is existence, for there is a difference between the two. You remember how our Lord put it in that great high priestly prayer recorded in John 17:3: ‘And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.’ Eternal life always carried that suggestion. Apart from God, life, as we call it, is really death Saved in Eternity, 148

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

Eternal Life and Light

lets break down Eternal Life & Light.

Now when we refer to Jesus as being the light of the world, we are making the connection that the as we know it, is broken, sinful, and full of spiritual darkness. What's interesting about darkness is that it can’t be created.

If I were to turn off all the lights I wouldn't create darkness although darkness would be the result.

Darkness is the absent of light.

If Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, the one who went through life without sin. calls us to be the salt and the light of the world than we must expose the areas in our life that are full of darkness. so that we can be filled with Christ.

This may be a little confusing so let me give it to you like this.

Is a Phone with 90% of its phone broken considered useful?

(No)

Why Not?

Because it can't display everything it was created to.

Many of you don't even realize your living like a broken phone, because you're accustomed to be broken.

you think its easier to try and control the circumstances around you, rather then to have the self control to deal with all circumstances.

1481 We talk about “circumstances over which we have no control.” None of us have control over our circumstances, but we are responsible for the way we pilot ourselves in the midst of things as they are.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

That's why your Christmas list gets harder and harder to write because you’ve taken everything the world has to offer but yet nothing is enough to sustain you.

And its really sad because there a loving God that by His presence alone the darkness will flee from your life.

His light shines into the darkness of our world and our hearts.

Even in struggle, God’s presence is steady, hopeful, and transforming.

Application: We begin understanding Christmas not in a manger, but in eternity. Jesus isn’t a seasonal symbol—He is the eternal presence that brings life into every dark place we face.

2. Prepare for the Presence (John 1:6–8)

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way—to help people recognize the Light when He arrived.

Teaching emphasis:

God’s presence requires preparation of the heart.

John’s witness reminds us to point others toward Jesus, not ourselves.

Application: Just like John, our lives should reflect the Light. In a season full of busyness, our witness can help others see Jesus instead of the noise.

3. Presence Transforms Identity (John 1:9–13)

The Light entered the world—but not everyone received Him. Those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God.

Teaching emphasis:

Response to Jesus determines identity.

Identity in Christ is not earned but received.

God’s presence transforms who we are at the deepest level.

Application: In a world shaping identity through social media, performance, and comparison, Christmas reminds us: your identity is grounded in being God’s child, not in what you do or own.

4. Presence in the Flesh (John 1:14)

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is the miracle of incarnation—God didn’t stay distant; He came near.

Teaching emphasis:

Jesus reveals grace and truth.

He is God’s ultimate desire to be with His people.

In Him, we receive “grace upon grace.”

Application: If you’ve ever felt spiritually drained—even in the middle of church events—remember: Jesus doesn’t ask you to perform for Him. He came close so that you can rest in His presence.

Consider attending a service or time of worship this holiday season intentionally to seek His presence. Spend time in prayer beforehand, asking God to reveal where He is already present in your life.

5. Presence Reveals Glory (John 1:15–18)

Jesus doesn’t just bring God’s message—He reveals God’s heart.

Teaching emphasis:

Jesus shows us God’s glory, grace, and truth.

He fulfills what the old covenant pointed toward.

Through Him we fully understand who God is.

Application: Re-engaging with the fullness of Jesus reconnects us to God’s heart. His presence empowers us to live out grace, truth, and love in our daily lives—far beyond the Christmas season.

HOW THIS PASSAGE POINTS TO CHRIST

John ties together the Old Testament promises and the New Testament fulfillment. The eternal Word connects creation, prophecy, and incarnation—demonstrating God’s unchanging presence among His people.

RECOMMENDED STUDY

Explore the Greek term Logos for richer understanding of Christ’s nature.

Look into textual variants of John 1:1 for deeper doctrinal insight.

Read early church fathers (e.g., Athanasius, Origen, Chrysostom) for historical interpretation.

CONCLUSION: THE GIFT WE REALLY NEED

Many chase after presents each Christmas—new gadgets, new clothes, new experiences. But presents fade. God’s presence transforms.

This Christmas, like the wise men who traveled far to worship Jesus, let’s draw near to the One whose love truly satisfies. His presence is the gift we need—not just for a season, but for every day of our lives.