Christmas Praise

When the three Maji ( wise men) came to worship the King of Glory in His infancy, they came bearing gifts of gold, frankensence and myrrh ( valuable commodities of the times). What is your most valuable asset; time (self), talent (ability), treasure (finances)? What will you give JESUS for Christmas?



He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.



1 TIMOTHY 3:16

As I read the nativity stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, one thing I note is that many of those who saw the first Noel up close responded in praise and worship:



Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant—as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days" (Luke 1:68-75).



Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him" (Luke 1:46-50).




Simeon said, "Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).



As you celebrate Christmas, may your response be the same—one of worship and praise to God our King.


DISCUSS

Have each member of your family write out their own words of Christmas praise and share them with one another.


PRAY

May Jesus Christ always have your attention the way He does today.

[By Dennis Rainey]


Be Blessed!

Dawn