God With UsSample

Practicing the “With-ness” of Seeking

In my early ministry, I served a number of churches as worship pastor.

Christmas was one of my favorite times of the year to lead worship. From the minor chords of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to the expressive refrains of “Joy to the World,” the songs of the season reverberate with the “with-ness” of God.

Worship is the final practice we will look at this week for experiencing the presence of Immanuel, and it is not difficult to find in the Christmas narrative. The neo-natal visit of the shepherds who leave as evangelists sharing the good news also had their hearts bursting with worship.

However, they are not the only character witnesses who worship in the story. Other examples include:

• Elizabeth: “Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” (Luke 1:42–43)

• Mary: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:46–47)

• Neighbours and relatives: “And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.”(Luke 1:58)

• The Neighbourhood: “Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.” (Luke 1:65)

• Zechariah: “…Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.’” (Luke 1:67–68)

• Angel armies: “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” (Luke 2:13–14)

• The magi: “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11)

Worship flows through the Advent story from beginning to end. But note that in these examples, singing or music is not even mentioned. Worship is so much more than twenty minutes of music on a Sunday morning. It is a whole-life response to God through declaring His worthiness and glory.

Paul picks up this theme and explains: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1 NLT).

Guys, whether you are musical or enjoy singing or not, you are still a worshipper. We are called to be men whose whole lives radiate worship to our King.

The practice of worshiping Immanuel unlocks the experience of Immanuel. As our hearts worship, we can experience the God who is with us.

Prayer: Lord, help me become the kind of man who worships You as a holy and living sacrifice, fully surrendered to King Jesus. You are worthy of all my praise! Amen!

Reflection: Spend some time today worshipping the Lord for who He is: Immanuel, God with us, God with you! If areas of your heart have not been surrendered to Jesus, invite Him to be Lord of all of your life today.