Let Us Sing in Celebration

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 2:05 pm Post subject: Let Us Sing in Celebration

Let Us Sing in Celebration

Scripture:

Behold the Lord has made it to be heard in the ends of the earth, tell the daughter of Sion: Behold your Savior comes: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord. But you shall be called: A city sought after, and not forsaken. (Isaiah 62:11-12)

But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared: Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Spirit; whom he has poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior: That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs, according to hope of life everlasting. (Titus 3:4-7)

And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord has shown to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:15-20)

Reflection:

God sent His prophets to speak to the people. His words were sent to warn of our behavior which separates us from His ways, but also to share the good news of the salvation to come to all who will hear, heed, and believe in the One who brings redemption. These words were said to the people of the moment, but they were also said so they may be shared across the generations. Blessed are the parents who teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4:10, 11:19) Blessed are the parents who celebrate the good news so their children may hear, so their children may learn, for as they raise their offspring, so shall the children pass their learning to the generations to come and influence all who cross their path.

Let us, then, share His good news with our children. Let us teach them, with love, the blessings of the One sent for their salvation. Let us prepare our children for the day they may help others, and the generations to come, to hear the good news of the angels and prophets of the Lord.

Though we are not worthy to enter into the kingdom of God, because of our sin and the wickedness of our selfish works and desires, through His abundant mercy, God sent to us a Savior; His only begotten Son. So we may be forgiven our sins and cleansed of our iniquities, the love of the only begotten Son of God was poured out for us. The prophets spoke, but many refused to hear. They were blinded for they see only as the world sees. Blessed are we for the plan of God to save us from eternal darkness.

And so, God sent His angels to shepherds in the field. Blessed are the lowly tenders of the flocks in what they heard. Blessed are we for what came to pass. The angels rejoiced and so should we, for the child, born of the Virgin Mary, brings to us the blessings of salvation. The shepherds rejoiced as they found the sign of which they were told. They raised their voices in praise of the great glory of God.

The angels came to the shepherds to bring them the news to be shared for the blessings of all the people and the generations to come. The shepherds were told of the birth of the One who brings salvation and that the truth would be confirmed for them as they would find a child, wrapped in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:8-14) The angels did not seek out emperors or kings to whom to bring this news, but the lowly keeping watch in the fields during the cold of night. From this we may learn His mercy is for all of us. He reaches out to the poor and the lowly as evidence we all have the opportunity to turn to Him. We all have the opportunity to receive the blessings of the promises of Christ.

Let us, then, allow the good news to find a place within our hearts. Let us share of it with those who cross our path. Let us teach our children and rejoice with them. Let us celebrate the day of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Let us lift up in prayers of thanks and praise our happiness at receiving the good news of the Lord. Let us sing in celebration our praises to God.

Questions for further reflection:

How may we hear the words of the prophets?

How may we share the good news brought to us from generations past?

What gifts may we bring to the child born for our redemption?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier