Advent Word 18 - Worship
I often think of that first Christmas gathering in the stable as a form of worship. The shepherds had heard about the birth of this special child from the angels, and they just had to find the child to give him glory and honor. Luke’s Gospel tells us that when they left the stable, they were “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” That certainly sounds like worship to me!
One of the highlights of my week always is when we worship together on Sunday mornings. Worship with the Westminster community fills my soul. I know that many things compete for our time – even on Sunday mornings – but I do hope that you are able to attend worship regularly. How good it is to glorify and praise God together.
I am inspired by the Ann Weems poem titled, "What Do I Want for Christmas?" When I read this poem, it gives me a glimpse of what worship might have looked like that first Christmas in Bethlehem.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to kneel in Bethlehem,
the air thick with alleluias,
the angels singing
that God is born among us.
In the light of the Star,
I want to see them come
bearing whatever they treasure
to lay at the feet of him who gives his life.
What do I want for Christmas?
To see in that stable
the whole world kneeling in thanks
for a promise kept:
new life.
For in his nativity
we find ours.