Joy! As I look around at young faces singing praise, and worshipping the Lord with hands extended, I feel unbridled joy.
What a blessing to see a new generation of worshippers—fresh followers of Jesus—(Click to Tweet) led by young leaders mentored by those who once were fresh faces in a crowd of worshippers, themselves. (Click to Tweet) *
They are exalting Jesus whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.
Jesus first
If you're a Christian believer, you've probably heard the expression, J-o-y—Jesus first, others second, and yourself last—that's what corporate worship is like to me. (Click to Tweet)
Corporate worship is focused first on Jesus, the One who is worthy of all worship. (Click to Tweet) As we worship together in one accord, each of us forgets about ourself in the midst of it. (Click to Tweet)
This reminds me of the picture given of the shepherds outside Bethlehem when the Lord's birth was announced by angels (Luke 2:8-20). When the shepherds saw the Savior of the world in the manger, just as the angels had told them, they went out with great joy and told others about it. (Click to Tweet)
New generations
This past Sunday during worship service, I looked around at many young faces who were joined in worship. What blessed me was seeing the relative youth of those leading worship. I knew most of them when they were quite young. Now I see them leading other followers of Jesus who are a new, younger generation. (Click to Tweet)
This is what a church is designed to do—generation after generation is to mentor and lead those younger than them to become leaders. (Click to Tweet) It is the responsibility of older generations to train up younger ones, then step back so they may lead others. (Click to Tweet)
My wife and I were surrounded by others younger than we, just like it was decades ago when we were young faces in the crowd. We are older and our job is mostly done. We also see this in the young women we cared for at Rainbow who have their own families.
Worship Him!
After Jesus was born, some Magi (wise and learned men) came from a distant country seeking the One whose star announced His birth. They sought the King of the Jews and had "come to worship him." (Matt. 2:2)
Worship is more than singing songs of worship in a congregation, it is an expression of the heart and a way of life. (Click to Tweet)
When we give ourselves to Jesus and in service and leadership of others, we experience the great gift of God—his favor. (Click to Tweet) Even as Paul tells us what Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35 NIV)
May you have a blessed Christmas as you worship the Savior of the world, Jesus—the King of the Jews, the Prince of Peace. (Click to Tweet)
Maayong Pasko sa tanan! Merry Christmas everyone!
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*(Tweet to Click) = you can click on this link to post it to Twitter, or copy it and post it on Facebook or other social media—thanks for helping spread the word!