Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddlenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14
Bethlehem was nearby Jerusalem, and many of the sheep used in the temple sacrifices came from there. The surrounding hills were prime grazing land and shepherds worked in the area both day and night. Fear was their reaction at the sight of this visitation, and after hearing the heavenly messenger’s words, were in awe over what they were seeing as well. Faith to believe was their response, and thus sought to find the Christ child and worship Him. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. To glorify God—is worship! To enjoy being in His presence for He inhabits the praises of His people, that’s the great reward that includes these specific benefits: Forgiveness—True worshipers recognize God’s holiness and accept His offer of forgiveness. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1), If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Through worship we are purified in His holy presence. Guidance—Those who honor the Lord will be given wisdom and will be guided day by day by the Holy Spirit who is revealing the will of God to us through His revealed Word. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). God says, “your reasonable service” that means obeying Him and the truth of His Word is not burdensome, but reasonable. (1 John 5:3)
Provision—Jesus said that God will meet our material needs if we give Him first place in our lives “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33) Worship encompasses all of my spiritual needs in the One whom I am worshiping. And His promise is to meet all of the other needs I have. There is security in His care. Love—The love of God is experienced in the hearts of all those who are true worshipers: Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5) God’s love has been lavishly poured out to the point of overflowing within the hearts of His people. Power—To all who give God the glory He desrves, He give the enablement to do the things He requires of us, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Protection—God faithfully watches over all who acknowledge Him, and He keeps them in all of life’s challenging trials and circumstances: But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
Glory—All true worshipers will one day be glorified like our Savior, Lord, Jesus Christ. They will inherit a new heaven and a new earth and join a company of believers and angels in perfect uninterupted worship: Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)
Beloved friend, So often there’s no challenging voice calling Christians today to obedience and authenticity. Having said that, we know from biblical prophesy that this would be one of the signs of the Lord’s return. Let us encourage one another by living out our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and worship Him! Sing these beautiful carols unto Him with renewed fervor, inviting others we know and love, to join us in this life changing worship!
May the Lord bless your walk today!
Lord, show Your mercy to those who are suffering in Newtown, CT.
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