Worship Devotional LII
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 12/12/2020.
Worship Devotional for 12/13/20
As we approach the end of this year with all that has happened and with all the things we have seen and experienced, the Christmas season makes for a good ending as well as a good transition into the next year. Why? Because Christmas is about hope — that is, the only true hope which is found only in Jesus Christ. After all that the year 2020 has brought us, we who believe in the Son of God still have hope. Our hope in Jesus hasn't changed or been diminished in any way. The nations may rage around us as the world in its brokenness falls apart, but we stand strong with our hope in God, whose faithful love remains steadfast for all eternity. This week we are singing more familiar Christmas songs that remind us of the hope that came into the world when Jesus was born. The angels announced the good news to the shepherds in Luke 2, who then reported it to others. The wise men in Matthew 2 sought and worshipped the newborn King when they recognized the signs of His birth. The long-awaited Savior had arrived. God has proven His faithfulness to fulfill His promises and to redeem His people. If our hope is in Him, what is there to fear? Whatever struggles may be lingering in your life, don't lose hope. May we remember as we sing these songs where our hope truly lies.
Here are the songs:
1) The First Noel
This traditional Christmas carol reminds us of the shepherds and wise men we read about in the gospels. In singing the story, as we repeat the word "Noel" to remind us that we are singing about the meaning of Christmas, we conclude each chorus with the same proclamation of the angels to the shepherds: "Born is the King of Israel!"
Luke 2:10-12:
"But the angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.'"
2) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
This carol calls us to listen and behold the angelic hosts of heaven as they praise God and proclaim the arrival of the Messiah. Prophecies have been fulfilled, peace and joy have come to the world, and those who believe have hope. Let us also declare God's praises and tell of what He has done.
3) Hope Was Born This Night by Sidewalk Prophets
This song celebrates the birth of Christ as the birth of hope into the world. Apart from Jesus, there is no hope. But because He was born, having entered into the world as one of us — taking on human flesh and appearing as the Son of Man — we now have a High Priest who intercedes for us, a perfect Lamb who was sacrificed for our sins, and a Savior who knows our weaknesses yet is able to deliver us from them all. Let us rejoice for the hope we have as we sing this song.
Luke 2:13-14:
"Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!’”
Romans 5:1-2:
"Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."
4) Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) by Chris Tomlin
We end our set with a song to praise the name of the Lord: Emmanuel. He is with us, and because of that truth, we have hope and joy and peace even when the storms of the world are raging around us. Let us find rest this week in the fact that our God is with us always, just as He promised.
Matthew 1:21-23:
"'She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,' which is translated 'God is with us.'"
Scripture references:
Isaiah 7:13-14, 9:6-7, 60:1-6
Micah 5:2-4
Malachi 4:2
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Luke 1:1-2:40
Romans 5