On top of that, I hope that we are more oriented toward worship this Christmas, as we gather and worship through song, special music, and to hear the Word of God. Through and through, this service presents the mystery and joy of Christmas: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV) I hope our time together today sets the tone for all of our Christmas celebrations. Christmas is, after all, a grand celebration of Christ’s birth! I hope you don’t neglect to read the Christmas story. I hope it never grows old. I hope you never lose the sense of wonder and God’s gift of grace and mercy in Jesus Christ!
No doubt, we will all set aside time to be with family, to have a special Christmas dinner, and to exchange gifts. Perhaps we will even think about the tradition of giving gifts, following the example of the wise men / magi, who presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. But, when the wise men came, their purpose wasn’t to present gifts … it was to worship:
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV—emphasis mine)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 ESV—emphasis mine)
So, this Christmas, as you celebrate, don’t forget to worship Christ, the newborn King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And, may you have a truly merry Christmas!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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