ADVENT - DAY 4 - WE WORSHIP HIM BECAUSE WE LOVE HIM

ANTICIPATING GOD IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON (A Daily Advent Devotional)

Over the next few days till Christmas I would like you to take a journey with me in anticipation.  Let's daily look at the events leading up to the birth of Christ with a sense of anticipation of His arrival into this world and into our lives.  (Inspired by the Book "The Miraculous Journey" by Marty A. Bullis).

Advent Day 4 - We Worship Him Because We Love Him

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:1-6 ESV)

Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time of comings. We look forward to the comings of family and friends.  There is a delight in fixing up our homes, and meals and just hanging with those we love during these special holidays.  At times, some of us get neurotic about the preparations.  We want everything to be just right and we want to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.  The line between enjoying oneself and neurosis is a very thin one.  In the person of Christ, we have a human who will never cross that line.  He comes into the world having nothing, yet He is worshipped.  He exits the world having brought salvation, yet He is scorned.  He walks the entire way, from incarnation to crucifixion needing no affirmation.  He is content to simply be who He is.  In the person of Herod, we see humanity at its worse - a complete opposite of Christ.  He is a king who demands much and everything from those He rules over - yet, no one worships him.  Christ is so different than that.  He comes into the world under "less than" circumstances, to an "unwed mother," in an "obscure town," without "great fanfare," etc, etc. He teaches about a kingdom where the poor will be rich, the humble will be exalted, the least are exalted, and the meek will inherit the earth.  He doesn't "lord" over the people but leads them like a shepherd.  He is a babe who does not demand our worship but evokes it only as an un-needy God can.  Today, as you are in anticipation of Him - think about what He has done in your life and how you really love Him and desire to follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.