The true spirit of Christmas: Worship

What is the true spirit of Christmas? Some would say, “The sites and sounds of the season. The ringing bells, and colorful lights.”  Some would say, “The sparkle in kids eyes as they rush to the tree.” Some would say, “Family closeness.” Some would say, “Festive celebration and family dinners.” Some would say, “A quiet heart.” Some would say, “Giving to others.” Some would say, “Good will toward men (and women).” Some would say, “Hoping for world peace.”

If we return to the first Christmas we find another answer. Each of those people had one thing of common. They all worshipped Christ.

 This morning we will change up the format of the service a bit in order to seek to explore and experience this worshipful spirit of Christmas.

O Worship the King

Joy to the World

I.       The angel’s worship: worship by Public Praise

 (NKJV) Luke 2 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  (NASB) Luke 2 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

A.     Worshiped publically

1.      Unashamed

2.      Continual

3.      It was just who they are and what they do

4.      Spontaneous outbursts of praise

5.      Reflected His glory – knew they had been with Him

B.     Proclaimed truth publically

1.      Carry His message

2.      Gave the news originally to Mary and told her His name

3.      Now to the shepherds – the good news of Christ on Earth

C.     Join their worship by public proclamation in song

Angels from the realms of glory

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

What a lovely name

II.    The Shepherd’s worship: Worship by finding Him

Luke 2 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. … 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

A.     Heard the news – and did something with it

B.     Drew close to Him – need to decide to move to Jesus – trust Him

C.     Then transformation - Shared with others

D.    Worship by drawing close to Him

Dismiss children’s church – Pray for them / for us

Quietly step out as we sing

The First Noel

It Came upon the midnight clear

Do you hear what I hear?

III. The Wise men’s worship: worship by Priority living

(NKJV) Matthew 2 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

(NKJV) Matthew 2 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A.     Gave Him their lives – Time / energy / effort / Focus / priority

B.     Gave Him their possessions Gave Him the most precious things they possessed / and they worshipped Him

C.     Let us join with them as we  surrender ourselves totally to Him. And are willing to pay the price of discipleship

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

We Three Kings of Orient Are

O Come All Ye Faithful

IV. Worship by Giving -  offering

V.    Mary’s worship: worship by personal relationship

(NKJV) (NKJV) Luke 2 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

A.     Be still with Him / stopped the anxiety  / yielded to Him / Was with Him

B.     Spent much time just thinking about Him / Meditated on Him and what was happening / Deep worship / worship in hard times (many to come) / Peace in Him

C.     Let us quietly open our inner lives to Him / Total yieldedness / Placing relationship with Him as the most important part of our lives

Away in a manger

What child is this

Mary did you know

VI. Advent – Christ Candle

It is all about Christ – We love you - Pray

VII.          Worship by responding to His invitation

Room at the Cross

VIII.       Closing prayer

Silent Night (three verses)