Thursday, December 23, 2010
When you read the Christmas story from Luke 1 - 2, we are introduced to several people who have a similar response to the birth of Jesus Christ. All of them praise and worship God for sending the Christ. Sometimes it's easy to miss this response in the Christmas story. Here are the 7 people and their responses.
Elizabeth's Response - Luke 1:39-42: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Child you will bear!"
Mary's Response - Luke 1:46-48: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me - Holy is his name.
Zechariah's Response - Luke 1:68 : Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Angels Response - Luke 2: 13-14: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Shepherds Response - Luke 2:20: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Simeon's Response - Luke 2:28: Simeon took him (Jesus) in his arms and praised God...
Anna's Response - Luke 2:38: Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Seven times people were exposed to Christmas in Luke’s Gospel, and seven times they worshipped. Seven times their hearts were filled with praise and thanksgiving. Seven times they blessed the God of Israel and magnified the Lord.
What about our response? Will you praise Him? Will you worship Him? Will you thank God for giving you the greatest gift?
Elizabeth's Response - Luke 1:39-42: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Child you will bear!"
Mary's Response - Luke 1:46-48: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me - Holy is his name.
Zechariah's Response - Luke 1:68 : Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Angels Response - Luke 2: 13-14: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Shepherds Response - Luke 2:20: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Simeon's Response - Luke 2:28: Simeon took him (Jesus) in his arms and praised God...
Anna's Response - Luke 2:38: Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Seven times people were exposed to Christmas in Luke’s Gospel, and seven times they worshipped. Seven times their hearts were filled with praise and thanksgiving. Seven times they blessed the God of Israel and magnified the Lord.
What about our response? Will you praise Him? Will you worship Him? Will you thank God for giving you the greatest gift?
O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tim
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