The Praise of Christmas
We have been enjoying Christmas with the family. Christmas morning was a time for 
homemade cinnamon rolls, opening presents, listening to Christmas music, games all followed with our family meal. We connected with the Georgia family via FaceTime to check in on their day.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13,14 NIV
One of the songs of the season invites us, “O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord…” If there is a consistent activity that we find in the account of Jesus birth, it is praise, adoration and worship.
We see it with the annunciation when Gabriel appears to Mary with the news that she will be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. After the news of all that was transpiring sets in we see the record of “Mary’s praise” that beings with the words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49 NIV)
We see the shepherds hearing the praise of the angels on the hillside find themselves joining in when we read, “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 2:20 NIV)
We see the wise men finding the object of their long search and their response is recorded as follows: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:10,11 NIV)
When Jesus as taken to the Temple for his circumcision, we see Simeon and Hannah, who had long anticipate the Messiah coming up to Joseph and Mary and giving thanks to the Lord and uttering prophetic words.
Christmas has many activities, memories and holds significance for a variety or reasons and all of the activities of the season. But let us be reminded that first and foremost Christmas is a time of praise. It is a time to adore, to reflect, to give thanks, to rejoice in all that God has done for us in Christ Jesus.
Prayer for today…. Lord, we pause and take time in this season and in this special day, to stand in awe once again. To be overwhelmed with Your love and Jesus coming to this earth. Because He was born, He grew to adulthood, ministers and died for our sins. Jesus, thank You for Your love and mercy and joy that is so much a part of our lives and this season.