Worship appears throughout the Christmas story, not just at the birth of the Savior.
When Mary learned that she would be the mother of Jesus, she asked the angel “How can this be?”
The angel replied that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and the Son of God wold be birthed through her. She received words of promise and assurance.
“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
Mary’s response to this startling announcement was acceptance, obedience and submission.
Mary faced the uncertainty of her future with courage and worship, trusting God.
At Elizabeth’s home she received another blessing.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear…Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! (Luke 1: 42,45)
Mary replied with praise to God.
In this beautiful prayer, Mary glorifies God for remembering her, praising his holy name. She reflected on God’s mighty deeds of the past and recalled his fulfilled promises.
In the time of uncertainty, Mary paused to worship.
We can learn from Mary’s response of praise, and worship God in times of uncertainty.
Worship the Lord for remembering and hearing you. (Luke 1:47-48)
Even in uncertainty, we can look to the Lord in praise. Many places in scripture tell us to give thanks in all situations; we can also praise God in all situations. He doesn’t change even when our world is turned upside down.
We can praise his holy name instead of complaining. (Luke 1:49)
The culture around us thrives on complaining. It is easy to get sucked into the habit of grumbling when even the smallest thing goes wrong for us.
Recently I took a “no complaining” challenge from a Bible study leader. For one day, make no complaints. The first part of the day went well. But by night time, more grumbling thoughts popped into my head and sometimes out of my mouth. When I got tired it was easy to fall into the trap of complaining about little things. I felt convicted, and the choice at that moment to turn my heart to worship.
We can praise God for His actions from the past. (Luke 1:50-52)
Sometimes, when a discouraging situation hasn’t improved and tough times keep coming, it seems that God hasn’t heard any prayers. At those times, it is helpful to recall when He has answered prayers, in His time and in His way. Looking back at God’s answers gives me reassurance that He is at work, even when I don’t see it.
We can praise God for his provision. (Luke 1:53-54)
We can easily overlook have many blessings in our lives. As we thank God for food, clothes, and warm homes, we can worship him for providing for our needs. This causes us to realize our dependency on God for everything.
In preparing for Christmas, remember to pause and worship the Lord, as Mary did.
Our lives are very different, we can still praise God today for all He has done, even in times of uncertainty.
Worship him throughout the month in big and small ways. Resist complaining.
Praise God for remembering and providing for you.
He has been with you in the past and never leave you, because He is Immanuel.
Sheriena McEvers
Nancy, Thanks for your reminder to worship. I’ve been reading A.W.Tozer who says we were created to be worshipers. “True worship of God must be a constant and consistent attitude or state of mind within the believer.” And again, worship is “a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder.” I just read that last quote in Tozer on the Almighty God Dec. 6. I think if we live our lives like Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:15, our whole lives will be an expression of our worship. What do you think? Sheriena
Nancy Kay Grace
Sheriena, Thanks for your comment! I agree that our whole lives should be an expression of worship. Unfortunately in daily life, we often neglect to do it. Like growing in the practice of gratitude, I hope to grow in a life of worship. Be blessed!