The people were amazed at what they heard

¹⁸ All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,  Luke 2:18 NLT

 The first song at church was nearly complete when I noticed my international friend next to me.  He was emotionally engaged and had tears coming down his face.  The song was upbeat and celebratory, not necessarily one that would grab your heart strings.  Then, I remembered that he would be returning to his home country at the end of the week.  This was his last worship service before returning home to his country.  Possibly he may never have an experience of worship like this again….this side of heaven.  He had made a commitment to be a follower of Jesus.  The Bible had become alive and a source of encouragement.  The Holy Spirit was speaking to him and giving direction for his life.  Now, however, this season of observing and participating with other believers was coming to an end.

 As I stood next to him that morning, I reflected on participating in worship.  Every song had words that directed my attention to the sacrifice and love of Jesus.  I was thankful for the song selection.  I was thankful for the praise team and their dedication to lead us into God’s presence.  I was thankful to the media team that served to make sure that all the words were displayed properly and on time.  This was someone’s last experience in this worship setting so all attempts toward excellence were appreciated.

 I also checked my own heart.  What did I bring to this worship experience?  Was I just a spectator watching a worship team perform?  Was I going to engage like my international friend?  Was I allowing my thoughts to move away from myself and be directed toward the God who allows us into his throne of grace?  Was I singing to him like He was physically watching me in the room?  Was I allowing my love for other things to fall to the wayside as I appreciated the author and the finisher of who I am?  Would I participate differently if I knew this was my last time with this group of friends?

 Today many of you will go to a church worship experience.  The choir will sing and ask you to join in for some familiar Christmas songs.  Someone may be hearing this message for the first time…just like the shepherds.  Someone may connect with God’s message for the first time and the transformation process will begin.  Someone will be reminded of a story of God’s faithfulness in their life.  Someone may be experiencing this service for the last time.

 Our privilege and responsibility are to share with others what we have learned and experienced.  The Shepherds message is still true today.  God is no longer hidden in heaven, but he has revealed himself to us in his son, Jesus.  He is available for us to “know” him.  We get to share with others how he is changing and working in our lives.  Somebody needs to hear the message that you carry…share it today and watch how the people will be amazed.

Merry Christmas

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