"MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS
The very first Christmas brought about an evidence of God's miraculous, creative touch in the lives of people. His handiwork moved each of them to a position of worship. I trust this Christmas each of us will be moved to worship, and that [...] as we sing praises and worship the Lord, we remain open to His work in our lives.
THE EXPERIENCE OF MARY
It occured simply because she was willing to trust God and was available to a supernatural flow of the Holy Spirit. Even as life began to spring forth in her where barrenness reigned, she was moved to worship, and exclaimed, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior' (Luke 2:47-48).
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE SHEPHERDS
When the Lord sent the angels to them, they heard and believed what the angels said. Immediately they went to Bethlehem to see the promise of God: 'And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them' (Luke 2:20).
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE WISEMEN
It occurred not on Christmas night, but several months later, because of the distance they had to travel. They were true seekers, after the things of God. 'When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him' (Matthew 2:10-11).
Just as in the first Christmas there were distinct miracles (the star, angelic appearances, and the display of His glory) to mark that special event, the Bible says that He desires to mark each of us amd make us a distinct people. I believe the Lord wants to reach each of us this Christmas with His special creative touch to move us more toward a position of trust and worship. Philippians 3:3 says there are three specific displays, or evidences, which manifest that we are people with the mark of God on our lives: 'We worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.'
The Lord Jesus calls us to be a people marked by worship and a spirit of rejoicing, but also those who trust and believe that what He promises, that He will also perform.
What do you do between the conception of a promise and Christmas (birthing) time? May I suggest one alternative? Worship and rejoice in what He will perform.
Ron Mehl"