The purpose of this devotional is to help prepare you for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. You may do this as your own quiet time, but we would encourage you to gather some family or loved ones to go through it together.

Worship should be our response to everything—both good and bad. Worship, in its very nature, is simply giving something due honor and reverence. When we worship God we are giving Him glory and honor for Who He is. Tim Keller quotes, “You don't get to decide to worship. Everyone worships something. The only choice you get is what to worship.” I want to be sure I am always giving my worship to God and God alone regardless of circumstances or situations. When we look at Mary and Elizabeth, both pregnant women with various circumstances, we see both turning to worship.

When Mary goes to see Elizabeth and announce her news, the baby leapt within her and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. This indicates Jesus’ incredible power even as a baby not yet out of the womb. The baby inside of Elizabeth has joy in recognition of who is around. Elizabeth has joy and celebrates who is around. Mary has joy and yet wonders how she is worthy to carry this child. Mary then sings a song of worship to God in thanksgiving and honor to Him, declaring who He is and how great He is.

We don’t have a choice but to worship and no matter how we feel—whether confused, excited, sad, or anything else—I hope we’ll extend that worship toward heaven and give God the glory He deserves. May we recognize that Jesus is always near and always deserving of our worship just like we see demonstrated here. Let’s practice shouting out the attributes of Him we know to be true! Mighty One, merciful, faithful through all generations, promise keeper, light of the world, and so much more. As a family, discuss who He is and how we can worship Him for those things! -Alexa Balsiger, Children’s Pastor