He became one of us, to save us. How incredible the significance of a single child. The world which received the God of creation as a baby was harsh and unlike the heavenly splendor He left to take on humanity.
Every mother can imagine the wonder and joy of Mary to behold the Son of God and to give Him the name Jesus as she cradled Him in her arms. It was not only the God of heaven being born a man that defined this freshly born babe, but that He would one day give up His life on a cross and become the sacrifice required for sin. The Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world.
Willingly He came, and willingly He died. The cross is where justice and mercy kiss.
Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf is where my heart pauses this Christmas. I need the mercy that has been offered—and I’ve been given it in abundance. This impacts my eternal soul and destiny and causes me to want to worship Jesus in response.
In the words of Paul (my summary)…
In light of God’s mercy…present yourself a living sacrifice to God…this is your worship. Romans 12:1
Paul is saying to worship God is to present myself back to Him, a willing sacrifice. Jesus said if you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. This is my worship.
Denying my self, my rights, and my will is my worship.
Self-sacrifice is my worship.
The beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God is my worship.
Looking out for the interests of others, not myself, is my worship.
Obedience to my Savior’s leading, first in my heart, and then in action, is my worship.
More and more I want this heart of worship to be found in me, always, but especially at Christmas. I hope you will quiet the soul, ponder the wonder of His mercy, and present yourself a sacrifice in worship too, that we might sing together one of my favorite Christmas Caroles in joyful chorus:
“O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”
