Thursday, December 23, 2010 Twenty-sixth Day of Advent

Thursday, December23

Psalm 96 and 148  http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=160072153  http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=160072180

Sing (and Praise) to the Lord!

“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.”

As I picture that first Christmas Eve in my mind, there is nothing more powerful to me than the angels singing in the heavens, praising God for the birth of the Christ Child. It’s no secret, I love Christmas music. I especially love the hymns and carols that tell the story of Christmas, offering praise and thanksgiving for the gift of God’s love in the new born king.

Today, I invite you to sing to the Lord! In your house, in your car, at work…wherever and whenever you can, sing to the Lord! Sing out loud, sing to yourself, sing with others, sing to the Lord! Sing your favorite Christmas carol, your favorite hymn, just sing and make up the words as you go, thanking and offering praise to the Lord as you go. Sing to the Lord! If someone catches you singing and smiles, smile back. If they catch you singing and give you a strange look, ...smile at them anyway. Sing to the Lord! If you really, really, really don’t like to sing, play a CD and act s if you’re singing along. Sing to the Lord!

As you sing, as you listen, I invite you to pay attention to the words, what they say about God and God’s love, what they say about our relationship with God and each other. Invite the words to bless you and to open your heart as we draw close to Christmas.

Write down a few of the words that really stick in your mind. Send them in a note or email to a friend or family member, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a time of blessing.

Kid’s Challenge

Sing Silent Night or Away in a Manger and listen to the words really closely.  Invite a friend or family member to sing with you. Draw and color a picture of the scene that comes to mind as you sing. Give the picture away to someone or put it up in a place in your house where everyone can see it.

Advent Blessings,

Rich

This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,

                                  ...give yourself this Christmas!  (Peter Mayer)