Author: Cheryl Zelenka
During the holiday season, when the world is consumed with parties and gifts, it is easy to worship God with lips alone. A heart of adoration is a heart of purity free of distractions. It is a heart of thanks. Thanks for life and eternal salvation, regardless of circumstance.
The night Christ was born, an angel appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night. “The glory of the Lord shone all around them” as the messenger spoke of the Savior’s birth.
Jesus was the gift then and Jesus is the gift now. Our offering, or gift to the Son of God, is our worship and adoration. This December consider the magnificent sacrifice of love the Father made on our behalf. Jesus has given us hope and new life. His birth, death, and resurrection freed us from eternal death and damnation.
Mankind was created for God’s good pleasure. In return, shouldn’t our good pleasure be to adore the Creator? Our greatest service may very well be to worship the Almighty now, and throughout eternity.
Additionally, God is passionate for His own glory. God’s ultimate goal is to uphold and display the glory of His name. He defends it and will not share it with any other.
“Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.’” Revelation 22:8-9
“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11
Yahweh is so great and marvelous that there is no other by whom He can swear, so He swears by His own Name.
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself.” Hebrews 6:13
“For My name’s sake I will defer My anger, and for My praise I will restrain it from you, so that I do not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” Isaiah 48:9-11
“And suddenly 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 2:13-14
Showing love though the giving of gifts is wonderful. Enjoy your family, friends, and the season of Christmas. But consider once again the shepherds. They were given a mighty gift the night Christ was born, but they had to seek it out. They found Jesus and were forever changed. With adoration, they stood before the manger and worshiped the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
May the heart of worship and adoration be with you this season and throughout the New Year.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalm 95:6
To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24,25
O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
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