Who is this child that we celebrate during Christmas?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”–
Worship Tip: Look and Linger
Countless things that clamor for our attention today. To stop and linger with great thought and curiosity over the specifics of God’s Word allows the Holy Spirit opportunity to reveal insight. The words are here for anyone to read, but only those who seek and treasure what they find will catch greater glimpses of God’s glory.
What do the words say? So simple, but such a great opportunity for worship. Look and linger over these words. To praise, to ask, to look up, to wonder, to relate to, to ponder, to thank, to seek are all aspects of worship.
Four Ways Christ is Glory Demonstrated
1. In the beginning… this powerful statement that echoes right back to Genesis… Jesus is the visible representation of God—the exact likeness of God’s nature, God’s heart, and God’s plan.
From the beginning the relationship between Father and Son is shown. God is a relational God—he exists in the communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Glory.
The creator became man and walked among us, and the world did not know Him, recognize, or receive Him.
Heartbreaking.
And yet God sent his son knowing the outcome.
Glory.
2. All Things—Jesus is the creator of all things.
“Apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” Glory demonstrated: nothing exists apart from Christ. We experience this Christ-glory with every breath that we take, yet we take it for granted. Christ is the creative and sustaining power in all that exists.
Glory.
I tend to look at these verses in terms of creation; but there is an ongoing creation and sustaining that makes up the days and seasons of my life. Nothing of holy value will come into being apart from Him. In Him, everyday, is my light that cuts through the darkness of my human limitations, sinful tendencies, and desire to honor him.
3. Both man and God, Jesus is full of grace and truth.
The fullness of grace and truth is complete and a perfect supply. It is the grace and truth demonstrated in and taught by Jesus that explains to us who God is, what His heart for us is, and how much he loves us.
Glory.
4. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”–Colossians 1:15-17
Today’s worship challenge.
Choose one truth and tuck it into the pocket of your heart. Look and linger, and then take it with you and appreciate this one thing about Jesus as you go about your day. If things get crazy in your world today, take a moment to catch your breath and remember the glory of Christ. Have a great day and come back tomorrow for another Worship Challenge.
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
The amazing words of 2 Corinthians 3:18 can be the overflow into our lives as we “look and linger” upon the glory of Christ:
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” What a promise!
Thanks for sharing this verse. How amazing that He is willing and wanting to share His glory with us through transforming us into His imagae, little by little, this side of heaven. So glad you are taking the challenge–I look forward to reading the wisdom God puts on your heart to share:)
I am doing this challenge now in 2023 and loving it!
Hi Mary! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Worship Challenge this Christmas. This is a great series to come back to each year as we continue to be intentional about creating holy moments for worship throughout the busy December days. Hope you have a blessed Christmas!