CHRISTMAS: A TIME FOR WORSHIP (Pt 3)

WORSHIP CLARIFIES OUR PERSPECTIVE

Then God’s presence appears in the midst of daily life, people’s lives and worldviews are transformed. Worship surrounds God’s appearance. Worship flourished before, during and after the birth of Jesus. Mary, shepherds, angels and wise men were all filled with awe and wonder. A new perspective came into their lives. Mary’s song of worship to God is a rich revelation is who God is and His marvelous works.

“And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree.” (Luke 1:50-52)

In worship, self-sufficiency turns to God-sufficiency. The self-sufficient are scattered and brought down. In contrast, the prophet Daniel lived a lifestyle of worship. He worshiped three times a day and willingly bent his knee before God. His life depended upon God.

When I worship, my perspective is clarified. Fear is erased, peace is my portion and I have renewed faith for the future. When facing apparent setbacks in our lives, worship will alter our perspective.

HOW WILL YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE?

“God fills the hungry and the poor with good things. But he sends the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:53)

Christmas is a hectic time. End-of-the-year work stress adds to the pressure. Yet life is not about chasing wealth but giving oneself to those who have need. It is seeing and acting upon the needs around us.

Jesus saw the needs of those around Him. There are so many ways His followers do the same… teaching children, giving your time to others, walking out your spiritual life with others, hosting others, serving without need of position. The Christ follower’s way of life is sharing the life of Jesus with those who are lost.

Worship will enable you to see with God’s perspective, to give yourself to others out of the deep gratitude for what God and other people have done for you. This will give birth to God’s miracle growing in you as you give yourself to a lifestyle of worship.

Let us worship Immanuel and celebrate God being with us. This truth brings a whole new perspective to life.