Since writing about the war on Christmas last week, I've been thinking that there is also a war that goes on in the hearts of believers at this time of year: the battle between flesh and spirit (Gal. 5:17) which is antagonized by consumemrism, in the battle of “worshopping” vs. worshipping.
The birth day of Jesus began with worship, a host of angels singing to the shepherds in the fields, “Glory to God in the highest.” And after the shepherds had seen Jesus, the Bible says they “went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). And then later, wise men arrived from their thousand-mile journey, saying, “We have come to worship Him" (Matt. 2:2).
How ironic it is that since Christmas day falls on a Sunday this year, many churches are deciding whether to shorten, if not cancel, their “worship” services. As important as that may be, I think there is a larger issue we ought not to lose sight of. Whether at church or home, will we have a spirit of worship? Whether or not you choose to attend church on Christmas morning, may I suggest that before opening your presents, you pause and thank God for sending the greatest gift of all, “a savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Of all the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus, the most precious one was the gift of worship. “Come, let us worship and bow down… and thank God for his indescribable gift!” (Ps. 95:6; 2 Cor. 9:15)
Worship ushers us into beholding His beauty.
ReplyDelete"What is your Beloved more than another beloved, that you so charge us?"
"He is altogether lovely, this is my Beloved".
I completely agree. If we lose this heart, we will lose the battle, and miss Him. Another perfect timing Dr Greg! Thank you for continuing to share!
ReplyDeleteDavid S.
And I know that both of your are true "worshippers" and didn't need any reminder from me. As Harold Camping always says, "Thank you for sharing."
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