I've been thinking about several Point of Grace Christmas songs and the sermons at church this month. I am encouraged by the words of both. Their common denominator is glorifying God. That term is used all the time in our churches, in God's word, and in Christian literature but I wonder if we really know how to do that? Here are snippets of the lyrics from three songs that move me every Christmas to focus on Christ at Christmas and all year long and they all glorify God.
Let there be light. Let it shine bright. Piercing the darkness with dazzling light. Hope for the hopeless was born on that night when God sent His son. We who are His have this calling to
PRAISE HIM AND MAKE HIS NAME KNOWN so one day the presence of Jesus shines in every heart and every home.
Oh Emmanuel, God with us. Spirit revealed in us. That we may be your hope to the world. Oh Emmanuel, God with us. With a light to break the darkness that we may show your hope to the world.
We're alive. We can breath. But do we really care for this world in need? There's a choice we must make each and every day. So close your eyes and share the dream. Let everyone on Earth believe. The Child was born, the stars shone bright and love came down at Christmas time. Love came down at Christmas time. The time has come to celebrate so let your voices fill the air. Everyone, watch and pray.
Paul Reese brought to our attention that we have the same ministry as John. His assignment was to prepare the people for the King and we are to prepare them, also. We have been given the tools. We have God's word. It shows us how to praise and shapes our thinking and our lives if we let it. We must believe in our hearts and trust His word then we must use words to prepare others. Use God's words. Use God's words to praise. Use God's words to pray. Use God's words to teach. Use God's words to comfort. These all glorify God. They make Him known. Words are necessary.
Rob Crust reminded us that we want glory but God deserves glory. He is magnificent in all things. God sent Christ His son to save us and this sacrifice points us further to His glory. Everything about Christ teaches us about God and shows us how to make God known to others. Christ served humbly for our benefit. He is our model for all godly living. Are we servants to others? Are we willing to take the burdens of other people as Christ did? Are we willing to serve gladly for those around us?
What does humble service look like? As you go through your day are your eyes and ears listening for ways to serve? Here are some examples? If you are married, when you're done with your shower do you take the best, dry fluffy towel for yourself or do you think to leave it in just the right place for your husband to reach it? Do you have room mates? Do you take the last yogurt in the fridge and leave your trash and dirty spoon on the counter or do you eat something else not as appetizing to yourself, empty the dishwasher, and run to the store at the first chance to get more for the fridge? At work are you looking to get the respect you deserve or do you do a couple of extra things for your coworker who is laid low with a cold this week? At the grocery store do you park further away because your legs are strong and nimble so those whose legs are weak can park closer? Do you notice what might needs to be done at church. Do the shelves need to be straightened? A meal delivered? A card sent? There are thousands of ways to serve.
In it all you are not looking for glory for yourself as such a nice person but serving as a loving sacrifice to God in an effort to MAKE HIS NAME KNOWN. This is glorifying God at Christmas and all year long.
Merry Christmas everyone and may you know and make known our Savior each day you are given.
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