WORSHIP...The Christmas Story...Luke 2: 1 - 38

The birth of Christ as told in Luke, is one of true worship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  From the angels appearing to the shepherds saying "Glory to God in the highest...", the shepherds bowing to Jesus in the manger, and then the stories of Simeon and Anna to whom the Holy Spirit revealed the truth of Jesus. They were led to worship the baby Jesus in the temple and to testify to the glory of God and the salvation that had been born.

Imagine the wonder and the overcoming awe that the shepherds experienced with the heavenly host praising God...getting a glimpse of heaven on earth.  Imagine the gladness that Simeon felt when the Holy Spirit fulfilled a promise to him that he would live to see the Messiah and then he was led by the Holy Spirit to the baby Jesus in the temple.  And imagine the gift of joy that Anna received when her life of prayer and fasting in worship to God was rewarded by becoming one of the first witnesses to Him and for Him.

In Matthew we read of the three wise men who set out on a journey to worship a King.  Their sole purpose was to worship Him and present Him gifts in recognition of His glory. 

Today, I am afraid that we fail to worship Him as purely as the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, or the wise men.  We want to serve Him, but we also want from Him.  We fall short of elevating Him to the glory and wonder that these first witnesses did.  The good news is though, that with the help of the Holy Spirit, His glory is revealed to us.  With the counsel of the Holy Spirit, His truth and His love draw us closer to Him; and with the help of His Spirit, we can join the heavenly host in worshipping Him.

Have a WONDER...filled and WORSHIP...filled  Christmas.