We focused earlier in the month on the idea of worship being a response to God’s grace in our lives. I really wanted to put it together for you as we look at the complete picture of worship with some of the key people in the Christmas story. We’ll look at Elizabeth, Mary, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men. In fact, I like to call them the Christmas Worship Team!
Elizabeth worshipped
Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin and an essential part of the Christmas story. What I like most is that she was also part of the Christmas Worship Team! Elizabeth was pregnant and Mary went to visit her at her home. When Mary entered her home notice that Elizabeth just didn’t say that Mary and Jesus were blessed. She exclaimed it with a loud cry. Why does anyone cry out instead of just stating his or her business? The reason goes without saying. But here goes, Elizabeth was really, really excited and passionate about what she just experienced. Notice for yourself.
42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me (Luke 1:42-43)?
Does excitement identify your worship? This member of the worship team was excited about the Lord. Notice that she never brought attention to herself, but only to the Lord. When Elizabeth mentioned that John jumped in her own womb, it was a result of the presence of the Lord. Oh yes. We can’t forget one more characteristic of Elizabeth’s worship. It was Spirit-filled. How do we know? Keep reading.
41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41).
Elizabeth’s worship was passionate and Spirit-filled.
Mary worshipped
Mary’s worship was characterized by her humility. She was a humble servant of the Lord and magnified her Savior because she understood her own position as one God chose. She was humble. This member of the Christmas Worship Team was full of joy. She rejoiced in her Savior. It was nearly impossible to worship someone who provides no joy. We could learn so much from Mary.
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever” (Luke 1:56).
The angels worshipped
The angels were another part of the Christmas Worship Team. Now, these members had special insight. They actually lived in the presence of God. They had an amazing knowledge of God. Notice their worship. They pointed the shepherds to God. It was God who was the object of their worship. The angels said, “Glory to God in the HIGHEST.” In essence, they could not offer any higher praise to God than what they offered. They offered the most glory to God that could be offered. Do we?
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14).
The shepherds worshipped
The shepherds are the fourth part of our Christmas Worship Team. Notice how they worshipped. They worshipped out of experience. They were told about Jesus. They went to see Jesus. They saw Jesus. Then they went away glorifying and praising God for the validation of finding Jesus in a manger. God orchestrates so many events in our lives and is given no worship in return. Ouch.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).
The wise men worshipped
The wise men are the fifth part of our Christmas Worship Team. Their worship was a little different than the others. Jesus was several years old by the time the wise men arrived. The wise men were educated and understood that Jesus was going to be the King of the Jews. They saw the star and travelled to worship him. When they arrived at the home, they fell down and worshipped Him. Here is what the wise men knew. They knew they had prepared and searched for Jesus. After intense preparation and seeking, they found Him, fell down, and worshipped him. So, what makes their worship different? They fell down. Their position of worship was different than others mentioned in the Christmas Worship Team. Their position was one of reverence. How do we worship?
11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him (Matthew 2:11).
So, where does that leave us?
Elizabeth offered passionate praise
Mary offered humble praise
Angels offered highest praise
Shepherds offered grateful praise
Wise men offered reverent praise
What about us? Since Christmas is only several days away, it is a good time to ask ourselves about how we personally worship the Lord. How do you? Do you? When do you? Will you? God not only desires and deserves our worship. He also demands our worship. The best way to change your Christmas for the better is to worship the lord with passionate praise, humble praise, highest praise, grateful praise, and reverent praise!