Thoughts on Worship in this Season

 

A few short years ago, it was time to put up the tree and begin to do a little decorating for Christmas. (at least, a little, which is about all that is done around here.)  At any rate, the gran girls were visiting and going to help with the project.  We decided that it would be fun to search for a tree on the property somewhere and let them do the whole process of finding and cutting it down.  Of course, they would have to drag it back to the house.  Well, lots of luck!  We all discovered that there were no trees on this property worthy of passing as acceptable.  So, with the wisdom of our Papa on hand, we elected to chop down two trees and put them together for one attempt at a passable tree.  This actually worked, at least somewhat, with the help of much fake snow sprayed all over them and a handful of “country boy” cable ties to secure them.  After our production was finished, we decided that it simply must have a name.  Memory escapes me to recall how it came about, but the name given for the tree was “COVID. “ Yes, it appeared quite challenged indeed.

One might say that's an awful thing to do, and this could be true.  Nonetheless, this is what took place.  As absurd as this may be, is it really any different from the many things we absolutely insist on doing during the Christmas Season?  It seems we must have the finest of it all.  We love to indulge during this time in more extravagant modes than any other time of the year.  If this is truly to show honor to Christ, then so be it.  However, most celebrations that I've attended, especially in family gatherings, anymore, barely seem to mention Him.  Wow!  Only what's done for Him (Christ) will last! (Ref. 1 Cor. 3:10-15)

How is it that we get so far from our true mission of worshiping the Savior of the world, especially at this time designated to call special attention to His coming?  This just should not be, and yet, it is.  Moms, Nanas, Grannies, Dads, Grandpas, etc. scurrying about to make it all happen in the way that would bless our family folks in the cultural way expected is status quo behavior.  Stressing over appropriate gifts, meal plans, pricey decorations, shopping venues, and setting up to attend one event after another can be mentally exhausting. Trying to literally meet the expectation of all things deemed necessary could be perceived as sheer madness.  Yet, we roll up our sleeves and attack this effort as CEO of the Celebration of His Birth.

Truth be told, we'd be hard-pressed to find in His Word the declaration to have a Christmas Day celebration.  Yet, we know that we should celebrate His coming to us always.  Yes, He came, He lived, He died, He rose again, and ever lives to make intercession for His own.  If we belong to Him, He makes intercession for us and is worthy of all our praise.  What a Savior, seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father, Who takes our prayers, supplications, thanksgivings, before our Father in Heaven!  He is our ever present help in time of need. And, only what's done for Him (Christ) will last!  (Ref. Heb. 7:22-25; 8:1,2)

Granny & Grandpa, Mom & Dad, you may nail it this year with your blessings to your families.  The gifts, the foods, the fellowships, and all that is festive may be served up with perfection.  But, only what's done for Christ will last.  Be sure the message is heard, and the Gospel is declared.  Be sure it is demonstrated in the way we carry ourselves during this Holiday Season.  Worship Him!  He is worthy!  He is the reason we should gather!

The human weakness about us, which often overcasts what is really important, should be kept in check.  We have the Holy Spirit, if we are in Christ, to help us do just this.  If for some reason you read this, and you do not have His Spirit, simply ask to receive Him.  One who truly seeks to know the Lord Jesus Christ will not be turned away.  Isn't it a little strange to celebrate an honored guest that you don't know at all?  To worship and adore Him, we must know Him.  Seek Him today.  (Ref. John 6:35-37)

Thanks be to God, in Christ.  We have Him.  Family may be few.  Trees with their ornaments may not even be available in some settings.  Big meals and gatherings may not happen for you, but He is still Lord!  He is always there, never leaving nor forsaking!  Knowing Him is the truest comfort and best of companionship!  Only what's done for Christ will last! (Ref. Heb.13:5,6)

Merry Christmas, as we celebrate our Lord!

A Fellow Laborer

Scripture References in ESV

1 Cor.3:10-15 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it.  Let each one take care how he builds upon it.  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--- each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.  If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”

Hebrews 7:22-25 “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.  The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.  Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Hebrews 8:1,2 “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.”

John 6:35-37 “Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.  All that the Farther gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.'”

Hebrews 13:5,6 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”