The Angels' Big Give Was Their Worship

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of worship and its transformative power in our lives. We began by reflecting on the changing nature of Christmas music, noting how contemporary songs often miss the true essence of the season, which is the celebration of Jesus Christ. This shift in focus serves as a metaphor for how our lives can become misaligned when we fail to center them on worshiping God.

We revisited the story of Mary, whose life was radically redirected by her willingness to surrender to God's plan. Her act of giving the direction of her life to God serves as a powerful example of true worship. We then turned our attention to the shepherds in Luke 2, who were the first to hear the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Despite their lowly status, they were chosen to witness the glory of God, reminding us that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His purposes.

Worship, as defined by Eugene Peterson and Francis Chan, is about seeing and savoring God's presence, allowing it to shape our hearts and lives. It is not merely an act for God's benefit but a transformative experience for us. We all worship something, and what we choose to worship ultimately shapes who we are. In our culture, workism has become a prevalent form of worship, often overshadowing our devotion to God.

The angels' response to the birth of Christ was one of pure worship, singing "Glory to God in the highest." Their worship was a natural response to being in the presence of God, and it serves as a model for us. We are created to be in awe of God, and when we truly see Him, our hearts are compelled to worship.

To cultivate a life of worship, we must intentionally place ourselves in environments where we can see God at work. This includes engaging with the church community, participating in worship services, and seeking opportunities to serve others. Worship is not limited to music; it is a holistic offering of our lives as living sacrifices to God.