How do you respond to the birth of your Savior? When you read this beautiful psalm of praise on any other day of the year, it’s uplifting. When you read it on Christmas (when I originally published this reflection), it has a special significance. I just had to share this with you.
Merry Christmas! Celebrating Jesus’ birth can be done every day of the year. It continues to be one of those mysteries we welcome. God became one of us. That’s a big deal. Certainly a “wonderful deed” as the psalmist writes. In Jesus, we have access to the one who orchestrated such a miracle.
We dare not let the busyness of this season, or even our lives, overtake us and blind us to the beauty of God’s love wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in the manger. God did that for us. For you!
“Make a joyful symphony” is exactly what I hear in my head when I think of the angels proclaiming Jesus’ birth to the lowly shepherds. We’re supposed to respond like that, even if we’re not musical. How do you show your love and awe for our Heavenly Father? That’s your “joyful symphony.” God loves hearing from us.
Take some time to read this psalm again, rejoicing in the celebration of Jesus’ birth. See how this psalm points to Jesus in so many ways. Remember Jesus chose us. He came for all, but not all will see or understand.
I wrestle with figuring out how I can help those people who don’t understand. I want to help them figure out (1) who Jesus is and (2) how crazy he (Jesus) is about them.
If more people today knew Jesus like he wants to be known (more than just that babe in the manger), this world would look entirely different. Did you know we can help with that? We can share with others about what Jesus means to us and how his love is available for all. But we’ve been told to expect trouble. What’s happening to us these days is not a surprise. We’ve also been promised the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s our superpower or secret weapon as believers. Jesus’ power inside us can help us withstand quite a bit.
It’s always a privilege to experience the Holy Spirit. It’s my prayer for you that you embrace the miracle that God was born for you. With Jesus’ first coming, our Advent journey comes to an end for another season. Don’t let your expectant heart fail to keep watch for our returning Jesus. Enjoy spending time with Jesus today!
Let’s pray … Lord, I am so in awe of you and what it must have been like to become human like us. I can barely wrap my head around that. Thank you for leaving your majestic throne. I praise you with everything that I have. You are my king. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
