Women's Devo | December 2021
His Presense
His Presence
Two of my favorite Christmas songs are Your Presence for Christmas (Sisters) and Mary, Did You Know? (Mark Lowry) God has really been teaching me to rest and trust in His Presence for the last several months. I have been drawn to this scripture, as Christmas is quickly approaching, and reminded of how amazing and miraculous childbirth is to everyone, but especially to Mary, the mother of Jesus!
Luke 2:4–20 (NIV)
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:19 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondered these things in her heart. She meditated, she thought about it thoroughly...she “memorized” every Thing and every Moment about Jesus. I believe that she literally felt His Presence! Memories that we have pondered in our hearts as treasures are reminders that give us Faith and Hope, and a story to tell for generations, just as Mary did!
The morning of May 5th, 2020...we got the text from our son-in-law, Bruce, that we had all been anxiously waiting for…”KaLea woke up having some contractions, we are calling the doctor to see what he wants us to do. We will let you know our plans.” We are 5 hours away from them, but were already packed and ready to go, because she was past due and was to be induced that day. Janet (Blair) and I had previously made plans to be in the delivery room with KaLea, but Covid put a stop to any visitors. The hospital had just recently started allowing the dads to be in the room again. About 8:30, another text saying, “we are going to see the doctor first, it is on the way, heading there now”.
We didn’t hear anything else for about an hour. I called both of their phones, sent texts, and no response. KaLea is my baby--my firstborn! I needed to know she was OKAY. I wanted to hear her voice. I needed her to hear my voice and be assured she was going to be OKAY and loved, and that we would be there soon. David, Janet, and Brittani were at their house waiting and praying! We were traveling up the interstate...waiting and praying...so excited to finally meet our Charlie...but also anxious because we didn’t know what was going on! This is her first baby, it will take a while, she is fine, they are getting situated, hopefully at the hospital and didn’t have to go back home...these were all the thoughts going through my mind...then His Presence filled our car, His Presence filled David and Janet and Brittani’s home, and His Presence filled that hospital room, all at the same time! We finally got word from Bruce at 9:40 “It’s happening now.” At 10:03 he sent us a picture of the most beautiful baby boy (and mama), cleaned, wrapped up, hat on, and in KaLea’s arms (still in her Winterfest T-shirt she wore to the doctor’s office!)
They made it to the hospital in time! Labor and delivery were waiting outside to take her in when they arrived, and the doctor was right behind them. In our moments of silence, prayer, and waiting, God was moving. His Presence was in that hospital room! Charlie was coming fast...everything was happening so fast! Realizing the cord was wrapped so tight around Charlie’s neck that it snapped during childbirth, the doctor began to pray out loud, “Holy Spirit, we need you to meet us in this room!” And His Presence showed up! Charlie is our miracle baby. We thank God for Spirit-filled doctors who are not ashamed to call on the name of the Lord in time of need. He knew the possibility of what could have happened if God did not intervene.
You would think that everything happened so quickly that it was a blur to KaLea and Bruce, but just as Mary, KaLea pondered these moments in her heart and shared her story over and over to all her friends and family that called to check on her. These moments are forever embedded in her heart and mind. They are the memories that gave her faith and hope. A mom’s love, mercy, and grace flow down from her to Charlie, through his growth during her pregnancy, the birthing process, the nursing process, and now the teaching process.
Mary and Joseph were alone the night of that miraculous birth. But His Presence was there in his entirety! Mary’s memories and her story of Jesus’ “Presence” has been passed down through the church for over 2000 years. It is our job as the church to continue sharing the stories of Jesus, His life, His miracles, our own personal testimonies of faith, healing, and hope, for generations to come. When we forget those memories, the Holy Spirit that lived in and with Mary, His Presence that lives in us, will bring them back to our minds exactly when we need them!
Luke 2:4–20 (NIV)
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:19 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondered these things in her heart. She meditated, she thought about it thoroughly...she “memorized” every Thing and every Moment about Jesus. I believe that she literally felt His Presence! Memories that we have pondered in our hearts as treasures are reminders that give us Faith and Hope, and a story to tell for generations, just as Mary did!
The morning of May 5th, 2020...we got the text from our son-in-law, Bruce, that we had all been anxiously waiting for…”KaLea woke up having some contractions, we are calling the doctor to see what he wants us to do. We will let you know our plans.” We are 5 hours away from them, but were already packed and ready to go, because she was past due and was to be induced that day. Janet (Blair) and I had previously made plans to be in the delivery room with KaLea, but Covid put a stop to any visitors. The hospital had just recently started allowing the dads to be in the room again. About 8:30, another text saying, “we are going to see the doctor first, it is on the way, heading there now”.
We didn’t hear anything else for about an hour. I called both of their phones, sent texts, and no response. KaLea is my baby--my firstborn! I needed to know she was OKAY. I wanted to hear her voice. I needed her to hear my voice and be assured she was going to be OKAY and loved, and that we would be there soon. David, Janet, and Brittani were at their house waiting and praying! We were traveling up the interstate...waiting and praying...so excited to finally meet our Charlie...but also anxious because we didn’t know what was going on! This is her first baby, it will take a while, she is fine, they are getting situated, hopefully at the hospital and didn’t have to go back home...these were all the thoughts going through my mind...then His Presence filled our car, His Presence filled David and Janet and Brittani’s home, and His Presence filled that hospital room, all at the same time! We finally got word from Bruce at 9:40 “It’s happening now.” At 10:03 he sent us a picture of the most beautiful baby boy (and mama), cleaned, wrapped up, hat on, and in KaLea’s arms (still in her Winterfest T-shirt she wore to the doctor’s office!)
They made it to the hospital in time! Labor and delivery were waiting outside to take her in when they arrived, and the doctor was right behind them. In our moments of silence, prayer, and waiting, God was moving. His Presence was in that hospital room! Charlie was coming fast...everything was happening so fast! Realizing the cord was wrapped so tight around Charlie’s neck that it snapped during childbirth, the doctor began to pray out loud, “Holy Spirit, we need you to meet us in this room!” And His Presence showed up! Charlie is our miracle baby. We thank God for Spirit-filled doctors who are not ashamed to call on the name of the Lord in time of need. He knew the possibility of what could have happened if God did not intervene.
You would think that everything happened so quickly that it was a blur to KaLea and Bruce, but just as Mary, KaLea pondered these moments in her heart and shared her story over and over to all her friends and family that called to check on her. These moments are forever embedded in her heart and mind. They are the memories that gave her faith and hope. A mom’s love, mercy, and grace flow down from her to Charlie, through his growth during her pregnancy, the birthing process, the nursing process, and now the teaching process.
Mary and Joseph were alone the night of that miraculous birth. But His Presence was there in his entirety! Mary’s memories and her story of Jesus’ “Presence” has been passed down through the church for over 2000 years. It is our job as the church to continue sharing the stories of Jesus, His life, His miracles, our own personal testimonies of faith, healing, and hope, for generations to come. When we forget those memories, the Holy Spirit that lived in and with Mary, His Presence that lives in us, will bring them back to our minds exactly when we need them!
Kim Boswell is the wife of Kip Boswell, who has pastored Blackville Church of God for 5 years. They have been in full time ministry for 21 years. They have 3 daughters, KaLea Blair (Bruce) and grandson, Charlie, Kaitlyn Boswell, 2nd year Law student at Penn State, and Kourtney Boswell, sophomore at Georgia Southern University. Kim has been in a ministry family most of her life, growing up in a pastor’s home (parents: Charles and Linda Green). She has been an educator for 12 years and is currently employed by Georgia Cyber Academy teaching from home. Outside of ministry, they love camping and spending time with their family as often as possible.
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