Christmas and Praise
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Mary said, ‘I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant…‘” Luke 1:46-48 ERV
In addition to the words of prophecy fulfilled at the birth of Jesus, the words of praise are dominate in the Christmas narrative. We see the miracle birth of John precedes the miracle birth of Jesus.
Elizabeth and Zechariah were old, childless and past the years when having a baby would be likely. But like Abraham and Sarah an angel encounters Zechariah in the Temple and tells him that he will have a son, tells his name and his role in life.
When the child is born Zechariah bursts into praise. “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago.” (Luke 1:68-70 ERV)
Zechariah declares God’s faithfulness, ties the actions of God to the promise Abraham long ago, declares the role of his son and then declares the result of the life of Jesus, “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.” (Luke 1:78,79 ERV)
When Mary responds to the news of the angel, she declares praise to the Lord. She expresses her humility in being chosen by the Lord and like Zechariah declares God’s faithfulness to Abraham. We see in her words the affirmation that God is faithful, He remembers and in His time and in His way, He acts to fulfill His plan and promise.
“Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. He always gives mercy to those who worship him.” (Luke 1:49-50 ERV)
I believe Mary would say, “regardless of the circumstance of your life or world, be a worshipper of the Lord. As you worship, you will find God in the midst of your circumstances and coming through as He has promised.
As the birth of Jesus takes place we see the angels greeting the shepherds on the hillsides with words or praise, “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” (Luke 2:14 ERV)
When the wise men find the child Jesus, they worship with gifts and humbly bowing before Him.
When Jesus is taken to the Temple to be dedicate to the Lord, we find the old prophet Simeon responding in praise, “Now all people can see your plan. He is a light to show your way to the other nations.” (Luke 2:31,32 ERV)
Then Anna the prophetess is described as “worshiping the Lord with fasting and prayer.” Her words are not recorded but she, “…talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38 ERV)
Words of praise and worship are found before, during and after the birth of Jesus. It is the fitting response to God’s intervention in ones life and in our world. There is an important lesson for us today. A life of worship allows us to connect with God’s faithfulness, worship is the natural response of God’s intervention and the atmosphere of worship is what we find in heaven.
When we look ahead to the next “advent” of God in human history, the second coming of Christ, we see it characterized by the fulfillment of prophecy and praise and worship. As our connect with the wonder of Christmas, find yourself caught up in the wonder of praise to our great and faithful Lord.