CHRISTMAS AN OCCASION FOR PRAISE

The Bible records that the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was surrounded by praise. God fulfilled His many prophetic promises of the Old Testament. Jesus was born as the long awaited Messiah/Christ at the appointed time. This made the heavenly host and God’s people on earth rejoice. Their response was not one of outward celebrations. But, there was joyous worship of God the giver and Jesus Christ, the unspeakable gift.  

MARY PRAISES:

Angel Gabriel appeared to virgin Mary in a town called Nazareth and informed her that she was God’s favored one. The angel explained that though she was a virgin, God’s Son Jesus was to be conceived in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. She yielded herself to God’s will. Then, Mary got up and went to see her older cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant. She was filled by the Holy Spirit and addressed Mary as one blessed among women. Mary responded rejoicing in the Lord and praising Him for all the great things He had done. (Luke 1:46-55) 

ANGELS PRAISE:

The night when Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to some shepherds in the fields to announce His birth. The angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Then appeared a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.” (Luke 2:14)

SHEPHERDS PRAISE:

After the angels left, the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found the baby in a manger as made known to them by God. When they saw Mary, Joseph and the Child, they made a statement of what had been told about the Child. Then they went back praising. “The shepherds went back; glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (Luke 2:20)

SIMEON PRAISES:

On the eighth day, Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple in Jerusalem for naming, purification and circumcision. There was a devout and righteous man named Simeon. He had been told by God that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ. Simeon was filled by the Hoy Spirit. “Then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-31) 

ANNA PRAISES:

There was also in the temple an elderly faithful prophetess by name Anna. “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

WISE MEN WORSHIP:

Matthew’s gospel records the visit of the Magi from the East. They are understood to be powerful, influential men from Chaldea. They came desiring to worship the King of the Jews and were led by a star to Jerusalem. There they sought the help of King Herod to locate the child. He with the counsel of the chief priests and scribes guided them to Bethlehem. Again the star led them to the house where the Child was. The Bible records, “After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11).    

The angels and people various strata praised and worshipped God the Father for sending His Son and the Son Himself for coming as the Savior. Here is a lesson for all of God’s people to take note of and follow. 

TO DO OR NOT TO DO:

Some people of God prefer not to observe the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and even discourage it. Other believers choose to observe meaningfully the birth of the Savior. Then there are those who see it as an excuse for fun and frolic. Paul says that the people of God, who observe a day and those who do not, are to do so as unto the Lord. They are not to judge one another. (Romans 14:5, 6) Worship needs to be central always, because, anything which encourages true praise and gratitude is pleasing to God.  

APPLICATION:

Worship God through celebration, if any.

Use every opportunity to share that Christ the Savior has come.  

Remember, the joy Christ has brought is not meant to be seasonal and superficial.