Ginger Harrington Blog Posts for Deeper Life with God

Break Out of Your Worship Rut

Break free from a worship rut and rediscover the power of relational worship. This post explores practical tips to overcome routine, engage deeply with God, and start your New Year worship with renewed faith and fresh inspiration. Embrace heartfelt worship that transforms your spirit.

Break Free and Rediscover Relational Worship

It’s time to step out of the routine and experience worship that transforms. In today’s challenge, we’re diving into practical tips to break free from worship ruts and rediscover the heart of relational worship. Let’s leave behind autopilot faith and start the New Year with renewed inspiration and a deeper connection to God.

Do You Recognize the Signs of a Rut?

Life’s busyness can trap us in routines. Whether it’s at work, in our relationships, or even in our physical habits, repetition without renewal can dull our senses and diminish our joy. We’ve all felt it before:

At work: The same tasks, day in and day out, can leave us uninspired.
In relationships: We can take loved ones for granted, forgetting to see them with fresh eyes of appreciation.
In physical fitness: Sticking to the same workout routine leads to diminishing results—our muscles need new challenges to grow.

Our spiritual lives are no different. Just as changing up our exercise routine revitalizes our bodies, changing our worship practices can reawaken our spirits.

What Is a Worship Rut?

Have you ever found yourself tuning out during worship because you know exactly what to expect? Perhaps your prayers feel like they’re on repeat, your singing lacks heartfelt meaning, or you’re rushing through scripture just to check it off your to-do list.

When we disengage in worship, we lose the joy and transformative power it brings. Worship becomes a task rather than a life-giving experience. Over time, this lack of connection can lead to a waning faith, leaving us spiritually dry.

The Danger of Going Through the Motions

These verses highlight a common struggle: the temptation to go through the motions in worship. Routine can lead to disengagement, turning heartfelt worship into an empty activity. This is especially true during busy seasons like Christmas, when the weight of tasks and traditions can overshadow the beauty of connecting with God.

Are you singing familiar carols with glazed-over eyes? Are you skimming through the Christmas story, eager to move on to the next event? These are signs that it’s time to pause and refocus.

Worship Scriptures to Reflect On

Here are three powerful scriptures to guide us out of the rut and back into authentic worship:

Isaiah 42:20 “You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; your ears are open, but none hears.”

Pay attention to what God is showing you.
Be observant and mindful in worship.
Truly care about what you see and hear in your spiritual life.

Isaiah 29:13 “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”

Worship isn’t about lip service; it’s about your heart.
Be real and vulnerable with God.
Avoid relying on rote traditions—instead, bring sincerity and passion.

Matthew 6:7 “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

It’s not the quantity of words but the quality of your heart that matters.
Keep your prayers simple and sincere.
Put your faith in God’s power, not in your own methods.

Today’s Worship Challenge

Let’s break free from the rut! Here are some ideas to infuse fresh energy into your worship:

Change the setting: Spend time in nature, or find a quiet, new space for worship.
Incorporate creativity: Write your own prayer or song, journal your thoughts, or create art inspired by scripture.
Try a new approach: Explore a different style of worship music, practice silence and meditation, or study a lesser-known scripture passage.
Engage your senses: Light a candle, listen to instrumental music, or hold a tangible reminder of God’s promises.

Above all, discover what helps you feel closest to God and lean into it. Worship is meant to be dynamic and relational, not static or routine. Let’s approach it with open hearts and renewed minds.

Your Turn

What step will you take today to break out of your worship rut? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments. Together, we can inspire one another to embrace heartfelt, transformative worship—not just during Christmas, but every day of the year.

Believe God’s Promises: Faith and Peace Through Scripture

Discover the power of believing God’s promises and experiencing faith and peace through Scripture as you reflect on biblical promises for hope in this worship challenge.

With all the hustle of the season, taking a moment to focus on what it means to believe can refresh our hearts and deepen our worship. Today’s challenge will look a little different. We’ll walk through a “parade of Scripture”—a collection of God’s promises clothed in His glory, each marching before us like a grand band of truth.

As we read each verse, we’ll reflect on the faith-call of Christ and what it means to believe fully. Let’s begin by exploring the words of Jesus:
Believing God’s Promises
Jesus frequently spoke about the power of belief, calling people to trust Him fully. Let’s take a closer look at some of His words:

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'” – John 11:25-26

“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'” – John 11:40

“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can? All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief.'” – Mark 9:23-24

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” – John 14:1

These verses remind us that belief is more than an acknowledgment of God’s existence—it’s a confident trust in His character, His promises, and His ability to work all things for good.

Faith and Peace Through Scripture

The word believe in Scripture comes from the Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω), meaning to trust in, rely on, or entrust oneself to. True belief is active and transformational, leading us to live in alignment with God’s truth.

When we believe, peace follows. The biblical concept of peace, or shalom (שָׁלוֹם), reflects wholeness, completeness, and well-being. Peace flows from trust, as we release our worries into God’s capable hands and rest in His promises.

Jesus reassures us of this truth in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Faith in God’s promises leads to the kind of peace that surpasses understanding—a rest that steadies our hearts even in uncertainty.
Biblical Promises for Hope
Unbelief can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s peace, but responsive trust swings the door wide open. Let’s reflect on these verses as a “parade of Scripture,” allowing their truth to build our faith and fill us with hope:

Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
I Believe Statement Example:
I believe, Lord, that You have good plans for my life—plans to bless me, not to harm me. I trust that You are guiding me toward a hopeful future, even when I can’t see the path ahead.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
I believe You are working all things for good in my life.
Psalm 73:26
“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
I believe You are my strength and my portion forever.
Psalm 103:11-12
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
I believe Your mercy is great, and my sins are completely forgiven.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
I believe Your mercies are new every morning.
Hebrews 9:28
“… Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.”
I believe You will return, Lord, bringing salvation and eternal life.

Worship Tip: Do What It Says
Experience more faith, peace, and hope as you follow these worship tips to believe God’s promises today.

Ask for Greater Faith: When you struggle to believe, pray, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” – Mark 9:24
Resist Worry Through Worship: Anchor your faith in God’s promises and let worship shift your focus from fear to trust.

Today’s Worship Challenge
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Pray this verse, then rephrase the promises above into your own “I believe” statements. As you speak these truths aloud, let God’s biblical promise of hope fill you with faith and peace.

Here’s an example for the first promise in the list above:

I Believe Statement Example
I believe, Lord, that You have good plans for my life—plans to bless me, not to harm me. I trust that You are guiding me toward a hopeful future, even when I can’t see the path ahead.

What faith and peace scripture will you choose to believe today? Share your “I believe” statements in the comments, and let’s encourage one another in faith. See you tomorrow for the next step in the Christmas Worship Challenge!
Your Christmas Worship Challenge Roadmap

Worship Like a Wise Man
The Glory of Christ
Both Child and Mighty God
Four Ways to Love God
God With Us
Two Ways to Exalt Christ This Christmas
A God who Speaks
Let Beauty Spark Your Worship Today
Make it Beautiful
Give God Glory: Put on You’re Dancing Shoes
A Lesson From the Christmas Shepherds
Make it Known: Another Lesson from the Shepherds
Treasuring and Pondering: Meditation of the Heart
Fullness of Grace: The Divine Multiplier
How to Find Joy
Worship by Giving the Gift of Prayer
Believing God: The Rest of Peace
Break Out of Your Worship Rut
Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child
The Worship of Gratitude
Celebrate Christmas: Give God the Gift of Yourself
Why You Should Sing in the New Year with a New Song
We Don’t Worship Alone
Practical Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
More Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
Worship You Don’t Want to Miss

Christmas Family Love God Worship

Worship by Giving the Gift of Prayer this Christmas

Discover a heartfelt Christmas tradition of giving personalized Scripture verses and prayers to loved ones, creating a lasting legacy of worship, prayer, and remembrance.

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be challenging to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Between parties, shopping, baking, and wrapping, it’s all too easy to let the magnificence of Emmanuel, God with us, fade into the background. That’s why being intentional about worship during this busy season is so important.

Worship Tip: Give the Gift of Prayer

One of my favorite traditions during Christmas is giving the gift of a Scripture verse and prayer to each member of my family. This simple yet meaningful gesture has become a cherished part of our celebrations.

Each year, I prayerfully read through the Christmas story and prophecies about Christ’s birth, often in Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John. As I read, I ask God to guide me to a specific verse for each person in my family. Once I’ve chosen a verse and crafted a short prayer, I write it on a blank index card.

I fold the card in half, turning it into a name card for our Christmas dinner table. While some years I decorate the cards with a festive flourish, most of the time I keep them simple—just a name, the verse, and the prayer, written in my trusty Sharpie. At Christmas dinner, each person shares their card with the family. This tradition has brought so much joy and meaning to our table, anchoring our hearts in worship and the beauty of Scripture.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

n the margin of my Bible, I always write each person’s name, their Christmas verse, and the year. These notes have become a tangible reminder of my prayers and God’s faithfulness over the years. For loved ones who are no longer with us, seeing their names and verses in my Bible is an especially meaningful way to remember them. Each year, when I come across those familiar verses, I’m reminded of how they were a treasured part of my life and how their faith continues to inspire me.”

Throughout the year, whenever I encounter a Christmas verse I’ve prayed for someone, I stop and pray it again for them. Over time, certain verses have become long-standing prayers for my children—prayers I’ve lifted to God for ten years or more.

I also keep a small photo album filled with these prayer cards, along with slips of paper where I’ve written down other verses and prayers for my children and family. This little book has become a precious way to honor my loved ones, celebrate God’s work in their lives, and keep them close in my heart—even those who have gone on to be with the Lord. It’s a reminder that God’s promises and love endure through all seasons of life.

This simple act of prayer is a powerful, eternal gift. It’s also a beautiful way to spark conversations about Christ with family members who might not be as familiar with Scripture. Through this tradition, we’re not just celebrating Christmas—we’re pointing our loved ones to the One at the center of it all.

Adding this practice of memorial and remembrance adds depth to this tradition, making it not only a celebration of the season but also a way to honor the legacy of faith and love in your family. May your Christmas prayers become a treasure trove of memories and worship.

Today’s Worship Challenge:

Give the gift of prayer this Christmas. Choose a few Scriptures and craft personalized prayers for the people you love. Here’s how you can incorporate this into your celebrations:

Create Name Cards: Write the verses and prayers on index cards and use them as place cards for your Christmas dinner.
Tuck Verses into Stockings: Slip the cards into stockings as an extra surprise.
Wrap the Gift of Scripture: Write the verse and prayer on a small piece of paper, fold it, and place it inside a wrapped box as a symbolic gift under the tree.

Sample Prayers to Give this Christmas

To save you some time, here are a few examples of verses and prayers you can use:

Luke 1:46-47—Praise and Rejoice
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (NLT)
Prayer: May ______ truly rejoice in the salvation of Christ this year.
Luke 2:20—See and Hear
“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (NASB)
Prayer: May ______ see and hear God this year. Fill their heart with praise for Your glory.
John 1:12—Believe
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (NLT)
Prayer: May ______ believe and accept Your gift of salvation this year.
Matthew 2:10—Joy
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (NASB)
Prayer: Fill ______’s heart with great joy as they see You at work in their life this year.
Matthew 2:11—Worship
“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (NLT)
Prayer: Help ______ to see more of Christ this year. May they worship You more fully and offer their best gifts in service to You.

May Your Christmas Be Filled With Worship

This Christmas, let worship guide your celebrations. Give the gift of prayer—a gift that extends into eternity. Whether it’s through Scripture, prayer, or meaningful family traditions, let’s keep Christ at the center of all we do. And don’t forget: the most powerful gifts are often the simplest ones.

What verse will you choose for your family this year? Share your ideas or traditions in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

See you tomorrow for Day 17 of the Christmas Worship Challenge! 🎄

I could not choose just one song for today’s challenge. The first two move me to tears as I listen. The third song fits this post perfectly. As a bonus, enjoy these songs featuring Christmas prayers as you worship today. Which song stirs your heart the most toward worship and prayer?

Your Christmas Challenge Roadmap

How to Find Joy: Looking Beyond the Gifts to the Giver

Discover how to find lasting joy this Christmas and every day. Learn the biblical definition of joy, practical ways to embrace it, and how to look beyond the season’s challenges to the true source of joy—God’s presence and grace.

In a world filled with pain, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges, how do we find joy? It feels almost impossible in moments when our hearts are torn open by grief, violence, or loss. For many, this has been a year of upheaval—natural disasters, economic concerns, personal losses, and fractured relationships. Joy can feel like an elusive treasure, hidden beneath the weight of it all.

Yet, joy is more than fleeting happiness or momentary relief. Joy is deeper than circumstances. It has the remarkable ability to pierce through pain, rising above our conditions and offering us something eternal and unshakable.

What is Joy? A Biblical Definition

Biblically, joy is a deep, abiding sense of delight and confidence rooted in God’s character and promises, not in our circumstances. The Greek word chara (χαρά) conveys a sense of gladness that stems from our relationship with God—knowing who He is, what He has done, and what He promises to do.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), a gift that grows in our lives as we walk with God.
Joy is strength for our souls (Nehemiah 8:10), sustaining us when life feels overwhelming.
Joy is found in God’s presence: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

This means that joy is not dependent on gifts, success, or even peace. True joy flows from knowing and trusting God, the source of all good things.

Joy Beyond the Season

December is filled with activities that bring joy: decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and cherishing traditions with loved ones. These are beautiful ways to celebrate, but they’re not the source of lasting joy.

We put heart into the gifts we give, hoping to wrap up a little piece of joy along with the gift. We look forward to the joy of giving and receiving as gifts begin to pile under the tree. All good…but there is more.

Worship Tip: Look Beyond

Take a moment to reflect on the blessings that bring you joy. Maybe it’s your family, your job, your home, or your health. Today, let’s stretch our hearts out of the business of the day, and look beyond the gifts that bring us joy. Too often we are satisfied with the joy of God’s blessings, rather than the joy of knowing our God who gives.

Look through the gifts that bring delight, for our blessings are windows into the heart of the One who is joy.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” – James 1:17

Here’s the key: look beyond the gifts to the Giver.

What do our blessings and gifts reveal about God’s character?
How does your joy in those blessings point to a deeper joy found in God Himself?

For example: I find great joy in my family. But when I look beyond the blessing of my family, I see the heart of God—the ultimate Father who creates, nurtures, and loves without condition. My family reflects His design for relationships and His faithfulness in providing for me.

Joy deepens when we recognize that every blessing points to the character of the Giver. Even in seasons of loss or challenge, we can see glimpses of God’s goodness if we intentionally look for them.

Worship Challenge: Embrace Joy

Here are a few practical ways to embrace joy this Christmas season and every day. Which one of these joy-starters is God drawing your attention to today? Choose one for your worship today.

Find Joy in God’s Presence

Set aside a quiet moment today to sit in God’s presence. Read Psalm 16:11 aloud:
“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Ask God to fill your heart with His joy, regardless of your circumstances.

Reframe Your Blessings

Think of a blessing that brings you happiness—family, friends, health, or even a favorite tradition. Look beyond the gift to the heart of the Giver. Now ask, “What does this blessing reveal about God?” Write down or speak out loud what you discover about His nature through this gift.

Celebrate Small Joys

Sometimes we miss joy because we’re looking for something big. Instead, celebrate the small glimpses of God’s goodness: a kind word, a beautiful sunset, or a moment of peace.

Bring Joy to Others

One of the quickest ways to experience joy is to share it. Do something kind or unexpected for someone else—a note of encouragement, a small gift, or even just a phone call to check in. Joy grows when it is shared.

Verses to Anchor Your Joy

As you meditate on the joy God offers, let these Scriptures lead your heart:

Psalm 43:3-5: “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.”
John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”
Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joy is not the absence of hardship but the presence of God during it. As we seek Him, may we find joy that transcends every season and every circumstance. Let the true joy of Christmas—the joy of knowing Christ—fill your heart today.

See you tomorrow for the next step in the Christmas Worship Challenge!

Let this powerful celebration spark your joyful worship today.

Your Worship Challenge Roadmap

Christmas Love God Worship

Fullness of Grace Upon Grace: The Divine Multiplier

Discover the fullness of God’s grace through Christ—grace upon grace. Learn how to unwrap and receive His divine gift of grace this Christmas and live in its abundance.

Grace Is a Gift

Good things come in small packages—a familiar cliché. Sweet babies, velvet boxes encasing sparkling diamonds…these images capture the idea that true treasure is often disguised in small, humble ways.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” – John 1:16

In this short verse from John 1, a treasure beyond measure is revealed in just 12 words.

“Have you ever considered how much is packed into this one sentence? Every lack, problem, resistance, and emptiness we will ever face is addressed in the fullness of Christ. Every single need is met by His grace. Let’s back up a little to see where this fullness begins:”

“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.” – John 1:14

Jesus is the fullness of God—all that God is and all that God has. And this divine fullness is what He offers to us.

Grace Upon Grace

The fullness of God comes to us as grace upon grace. This phrase speaks of God’s favor given in a continuous, abundant supply—one blessing heaped upon another, provision layered on provision, and joy multiplied again and again.

Key Aspects of Grace in Scripture:

Undeserved Favor:
Grace is not something we can earn or deserve; it is given freely by God out of His love for us.
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation through Christ:
Grace is most clearly demonstrated in God sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life.
- “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.” – Titus 2:11
Sustaining Power:
Grace is not just for salvation; it sustains us daily in our relationship with God, giving us strength in our weaknesses.
- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
A Transforming Gift:
Grace changes us from the inside out, enabling us to live holy lives and reflect God’s goodness.
- “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10
Continuous and Abundant:
God’s grace is inexhaustible, providing for every need and continually renewing us.
- “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” – John 1:16

Grace is the favor and mercy of God; His blessing, joy, abundance, pleasure, forgiveness, and love poured out freely. Imagine a net filled to bursting, bulging with so much goodness that not one more thing can fit. This is the picture of grace upon grace, a gift that can never be exhausted or outdone.

Born as a tiny infant in humble circumstances, Jesus—the fullness of God—came to earth as the ultimate good thing in a small package.

Worship Tip: Believe and Receive

There is only one word in John 1:16 that asks anything of us: Receive.

The gift of grace is freely given, but we must receive it. Faith is the energy that empowers our hearts to reach out and take hold of this incredible treasure. Without believing, we cannot truly receive.

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

Worship Tip: Unwrap Your Gift and Enjoy It

Grace isn’t just something to believe in—it’s something to live in.

How often have we left God’s gift of grace unopened on the shelf of our self-sufficiency? How many times have we received the fullness of God with mental belief but denied its power in the way we live our days?

Have we forgotten, in the busyness of life, that this grace upon grace is available to us in every moment? Grace is not just a theological concept—it’s the divine multiplier that fills our soul and sustains us in every circumstance.

The True Gift Under Your Tree

Take a look at your Christmas tree, glowing with lights and covered in cherished ornaments. Beneath it, there are likely a few gifts waiting to be opened.

What if those gifts stayed unopened? What if they were left under the tree, admired but never unwrapped? Wouldn’t it be a waste? In the same way, God’s gift of grace is meant to be opened, cherished, and used. It’s not just a decoration in the story of Christmas—it’s the central treasure we are meant to enjoy and live in every day.

Today’s Worship Challenge

Choose one or more of these ways to respond to God’s incredible gift of grace today:

Receive the Gift of Salvation:
If you’ve never truly received God’s gift of salvation, don’t wait. Right now, believe and receive the gift of eternal life through Christ. Pray and accept His gift of grace, trusting Him to fill your heart with His presence.
Create a Tangible Reminder:
Write John 1:16 on a card or paper, decorate it beautifully, and wrap it in a small box. Add glittery ribbon and a tag addressed to yourself or your family. Place it under your tree as a visual reminder of God’s everlasting gift.
Meditate on Grace Upon Grace:
Take time to reflect on this phrase and write down ways God has shown you grace in your life. What blessings has He heaped upon blessings? Let your heart overflow with gratitude as you dwell on His abundant goodness.
Share the Gift of Grace:
Just as you’ve received this gift, look for ways to share God’s grace with someone else today. Whether through a kind word, an act of generosity, or sharing your testimony, let grace overflow into the lives of those around you.

Prayerfully open the gift of God’s fullness today with hands eager to unwrap the joy, abundance, and life He offers.

Enjoy this extraordinary video of Malakai singing “Pie Jesu.”

What does “grace upon grace” mean to you this Christmas? Leave a comment and share how you’re unwrapping and living in God’s gift this season. See you tomorrow for the next step in the Christmas Worship Challenge!

The Christmas Worship Challenge

Christmas Worship

Treasuring and Pondering: Mary’s Response to Christ’s Birth

Reflect on Mary’s response to Christ’s birth and discover the power of treasuring, meditating, and pondering God’s Word in your heart. Learn simple ways to meditate on God’s Word and turn worship into a deeply personal, transformative experience.

“But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”–Luke 2:19

As the Shepherds made known the extraordinary angelic announcement, Mary carefully tucked away “all these things” in her heart, remembering, pondering, cherishing them deeply. This short, simple statement gives us a brief glimpse into Mary’s response at the birth of Christ. Stark with understatement, these simple words reach us on an emotional level.

Have you ever been so overwhelmed so amazed, so exhausted that you didn’t know what to say? Sometimes we don’t need to say anything and let the emotional rhythm of the heart simply absorb the details, appreciate the reality of God’s presence. Just to quietly take it in and hold it close.

We don’t have to understand everything or have all the answers, if we know God is present. Even during hardship, we can treasure the truth of God’s word and the comfort of His presence without a word.

Although the prophecies, conception, and announcements of Christ are infused with miraculous and supernatural acts of God, this birth of a king has taken place in a stable, dirty and smelly with the life of animals. Away from home and far from the helping hands of family,

I can only imagine what went through Mary’s mind as she wrapped her baby in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

Christmas cards and tree ornaments often romanticize the image of Christ lying helpless and tiny in a hay-filled manger, yet the humility of these circumstances is not at all what we would expect for the birth of God’s son. I wonder if Mary felt confused or disappointed that God’s plan played out in such ordinary and difficult ways.

Even so, Mary treasured and pondered, weighed and thought through all that had happened. Though she would not have planned for the birth to be so difficult, evidence of God’s work and presence came to visit through the Magi and the shepherds.

Worship Tip: Treasuring and Pondering (Meditating on God’s Word)

Meditation relates to this worship that ponders. To meditate means to attend to, to practice, be diligent in, to ponder or imagine. Treasure the truth of Christ.

How to meditate on Scripture?

Many theological books have been written on the subject, but for today, let’s keep it simple.

Do you know how to worry, with your thoughts dwelling on one concern? If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate–just change your concern for God’s truth and keep dwelling.

Meditation is also a lot like pulling taffy. You work with the material, stretching and pulling back and forth, until the candy is the desired consistency.

It is also like rocking in a rocking chair. Relax into your verse like a comfortable chair and let the meaning of the words rock back and forth in the holy listening space of your heart and attention. Prayerfully read the verse several times, emphasizing different words or phrases each time.

A treasuring meditation is also a little like scrap booking -taking time to collect truths and experiences that God has worked in your life. Place them in your heart or in the pages of a book, set aside as special and significant, pictures of God’s truth and grace in your life.

Verses to Ponder

Consider how these verses relate to meditating on God’s Word:

“Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”–Psalm 119:11

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits…” Psalm 103:1-2

“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:14

” For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”–Luke 12:34

Today’s Worship Challenge:

Follow Mary’s response to Christ’s birth by treasuring and pondering. Take time to treasure one scripture about Christ that has been meaningful to you recently. We have covered many during our challenge.

Here are a couple of ideas to meditate on God’s Word:

Memorize a verse
Pray, ponder, and write down insights God gives you about the verse.
Take a walk or run and think about the verse or concept as you exercise.
Listen meditatively to one of the songs posted in The Christmas Worship Challenge. Write down thoughts that come to mind as you listen.
Start a journal or “scrapbook” of verses and experiences that you treasure as Mary did. Wondering, pondering, basking in God’s hand on you.

What truth are you treasuring and pondering today? See you tomorrow for the next challenge! Today I couldn’t choose just one song. Which of these is your favorite?

More to Treasure and Ponder in the Christmas Worship Challenge

Make it Known: More Lessons from the Christmas Shepherds

Discover the joy of sharing Christ’s story this Christmas, inspired by the shepherds’ response. Let worship ignite your heart and share the wonder with others. “When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been...

Christmas Love God Worship

Responsive Worship: A Lesson From the Christmas Shepherds

Discover the joy of seeking God with urgency and action, just like the shepherds. Worship through simple, heartfelt responses, and enjoy a fun idea to make Christmas meaningful for kids! Have you ever wondered why giving glory to God feels so...

Christmas Enjoy Life Blog Posts Worship

Give God Glory…Put on Your Dancin’ Shoes!

Rediscover the joy of Christmas worship with wholehearted praise and exuberant glory! Inspired by the angelic celebration in Luke 2, this post encourages us to honor Jesus with unencumbered praise—through singing, dancing, and celebrating the good news of His birth. Learn how to nurture a spirit of joy and gratitude, reflecting on God’s saving work in our lives. Ready for a “Glory Parade”? Crank up the carols and let your heart soar in worship!

Congratulations to those of you who have joined in the Christmas Worship Challenge as we usher in the joy of Christmas with hearts set to worship Christ first…and then enjoy the rest. How is it going? Have you discovered that when we worship, we are blessed? Are you ready to have some fun today as we worship?

Worship Can Be Fun

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Elf. Do you remember this scene: I’m in a Store and I’m Singing ?

As one who is frequently sings in stores, I used to embarrass my kids to no end: “Mom, stop singing–people will hear you… ,” I get a real chuckle out of this clip.

I love the way Elf is totally able to jump into the moment and let loose with Christmas Cheer.

Uninhibited.

Unencumbered.

In a way, that is our challenge today. Hang with me on this and see where we are going…

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:10-11,13-14

Give God Glory…Joyful, Exuberant Glory!

Take a moment to step back in time and mentally place yourself with the shepherds that sacred night so long ago. With holy imagination, listen to the angel’s words as if you were there. In the lonely darkness, far from the warm comfort of hearth and home, the night sky is interrupted with news that will change the world. Good news that brings great joy…if these words filled our headlines today, would the world pay attention? Would we?

Consider the unusual way God announced the birth of His Son, the long-awaited Messiah. Suddenly a multitude of heavenly beings set the darkness ablaze with the glee of heaven. Praise fills the darkness with Angel-joy, loud and triumphant, “Glory to God in the highest…”

Worship Tip: Whole-Hearted Praise

Are you ready for this? This one may stretch you out of your comfort zone, but go with me on this. We need to learn to release our tied-up hearts in giving God glory and praise. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and let it rip!

Join with the Angel army giving God honor and worship. Rejoice in God’s goodness. Let loose some shouts of praise that Jesus is our Savior. Jump up and down for joy; get your feet moving in a glory-giving “Happy Dance.” Jesus has come. Jesus is here. Jesus is coming again!

Praise God for His presence that heals our peace-starved, heart-broken world. Let your heart soar with the God’s pleasure: “And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”!

Give Him Glory! Remember what we are saved from—sin that separates us from God. Sin that twists and pollutes our hearts with rebellion, sickness, evil, lust, isolation, pain, and greed…just to name a few.

Reasons to Give God Glory with Our Praise

Here are a few more reasons to give our God-Who-Saves energetic praise and glory:

“[ The Incomparable Christ ] For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son…”—Colossians 1:13

Isaiah writes prophesy of the many saving actions of the Messiah:
“ The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”—Isaiah 61:1-3

If that doesn’t make you want to jump up and down, check your pulse, read it again, and make a list of the specific actions Jesus makes on our behalf.

Now on with the Challenge:

For starters, you may want to do this when you are alone, just so you don’t feel self-conscious. Sometimes we’re funny that way. Or even better, if you have young kids, tell them you are going to have a Glory Parade for Jesus and do this together. Their excitement will fuel yours.

Crank up some praise music or upbeat Christmas carols and sing. Raise your hands and sing good and loud. Trust me on this…it’s going to be awesome! Here’s a fun song to get you started:

Hillsong: Born is the King (It’s Christmas):This is a make-you-want-to-dance music video that is perfect for this post, complete with a joyous kid parade–they must have read my post!

Forget the inhibitions we often feel when we worship God in public. At least in the privacy of our home, let’s have the inhibition of Elf, rather than the reticence of Jovie. This time is for an audience of one, who will be absolutely delighted to see you put on your dancing shoes and put your whole self into worship.

When you are done, let’s encourage one another by sharing our exuberant praise. Share links to songs that you love.

Your Christmas Worship Challenge Roadmap

Worship Like a Wise Man
The Glory of Christ
Both Child and Mighty God
Four Ways to Love God
God With Us
Two Ways to Exalt Christ This Christmas
A God who Speaks
Let Beauty Spark Your Worship Today
Make it Beautiful
Give God Glory: Put on You’re Dancing Shoes
A Lesson From the Christmas Shepherds
Make it Known: Another Lesson from the Shepherds
Treasuring and Pondering: Meditation of the Heart
Fullness of Grace: The Divine Multiplier
How to Find Joy
Worship by Giving the Gift of Prayer
Believing God: The Rest of Peace
Break Out of Your Worship Rut
Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child
The Worship of Gratitude
Celebrate Christmas: Give God the Gift of Yourself
Why You Should Sing in the New Year with a New Song
We Don’t Worship Alone
Practical Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
More Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
Worship You Don’t Want to Miss

Break Free and Rediscover Relational Worship

Do You Recognize the Signs of a Rut?

What Is a Worship Rut?

The Danger of Going Through the Motions

Worship Scriptures to Reflect On

Today’s Worship Challenge

Your Turn

Worship Tip: Give the Gift of Prayer

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Today’s Worship Challenge:

Sample Prayers to Give this Christmas

May Your Christmas Be Filled With Worship

Your Christmas Challenge Roadmap

More Posts on Prayer

What is Joy? A Biblical Definition

Joy Beyond the Season

Worship Tip: Look Beyond

Worship Challenge: Embrace Joy

Find Joy in God’s Presence

Reframe Your Blessings

Celebrate Small Joys

Bring Joy to Others

Verses to Anchor Your Joy

Your Worship Challenge Roadmap

Grace Is a Gift

Grace Upon Grace

Key Aspects of Grace in Scripture:

Worship Tip: Believe and Receive

Worship Tip: Unwrap Your Gift and Enjoy It

The True Gift Under Your Tree

Today’s Worship Challenge

The Christmas Worship Challenge

Worship Tip: Treasuring and Pondering (Meditating on God’s Word)

How to meditate on Scripture?

Verses to Ponder

Today’s Worship Challenge:

Here are a couple of ideas to meditate on God’s Word:

More to Treasure and Ponder in the Christmas Worship Challenge

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