“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
As we count down the days until we celebrate the birth of our Lord, let’s remember why He came to dwell among us.
We are often prompted in Christian circles to remember the “reason for the season”—and that reason, of course, being the birth of Jesus.
But how often do we to stop to remember why Jesus was born?
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16
Yes, He came to save us from our sins (see 1 John 2:2)—that we would “not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)—and that we would inherit all the promises of God (see Romans 8:17).
But more, so that we could become more like Him (see Ephesians 5:1)—be changed into His image (see 2 Corinthians 3:18), and take on His very nature (2 Peter 1:4).
In other words, so we could “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us” (Ephesians 5:2).
As we worship the Lord for all He has done for us and celebrate all He came to give, let’s remember that there is no higher form of praise than imitation.
The most sincere praise we can offer our savior is by imitating His love…walking in His…talking in His love…
…and giving the gift of His unconditional love to everyone we encounter.
This Christmas, give the gift of God’s unconditional love—it is the highest form of worship.
As Billy Graham taught, “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service.”
Let’s not forget that worship is about more than music and singing—it’s about more than dancing or clapping or waving flags (although those are all beautiful forms of worship).
True worship is doing whatever we do “as unto the Lord.”
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
Worship is about serving with our whole hearts. It’s about doing whatever we do unselfishly.
During this especially “material” time of year, when it seems as if the busyness of decorating and shopping and “making merry” distract us from simply being present to those most in need around us…
When presents take precedence over being present…
We should pause and challenge ourselves to love sacrificially and serve unselfishly; to lay down our lives as Jesus did.
How are you imitating Christ this season?
How are you loving like Jesus loved?
Who are you serving as we prepare to celebrate the greatest servant of all?
This is our worship.
Worship & Service: “Our service to God is our greatest form of worship and is at the center of everything we do as believers.”
I’m going to keep it short and sweet…after all, this is the month of Christmas and I know you’re busy!
Go out and love on someone you don’t even know.
Be a shining neon Christmas light that spreads the love of God!
I challenge you this month to love the unloveable—whether the inconvenient homeless or those inconvenient relatives who show up in your home—“put on love” (Colossians 3:14)!
For this is why Christ was born. This is why we celebrate Christmas.
Because God so loved the world…
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