Praise

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.  Luke 2:20 (NLT)

The lives of the familiar cast of characters in the Nativity story were suddenly interrupted by an astounding message - the message of a special baby coming into the world. 

Mary and Joseph perhaps thinking of their up coming wedding were visited by an angel, their plans suddenly drastically altered.  Zechariah going about his priestly duties, as he had done many times before, suddenly interrupted by a startling message.  Elizabeth in her old age finding herself unexpectedly expecting a baby.  The shepherds simply watching their flocks, as they did each and every night, interrupted by the angel chorus. And sky watchers from the East, in their nightly star gazing, noticed a star they had never seen before. Each one, when they heard and understood the message, were overcome with joy and responded with an overwhelming desire to praise and worship God.

What was so startling about this baby to be born?  It was no ordinary babe, but one born as a deliverer to save his people from their sins.  What other response could there be but praise for such a marvelous plan.  Sin, that damaging and destructive cancer that held the world long captive was about to meet its match in this tiny baby.  We, too, are held captive until we come to see in that baby the one who can save and deliver us.  When we think of all that was accomplished by the entrance of God into the world in the guise of this tiny baby we too will be filled with praise and thankfulness.  The realization that he has forgiven all of our sins, set us free and brought us near to God is cause for worship this Christmas and every day. 

Let God interrupt our unthinking Christmas routines and bring us suddenly to our knees to worship.  Let us join the chorus of praise, thanking God for this incredible gift. 

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matt 2:11 (NLT)