Why We'll Always Celebrate Christmas!
The Purpose of Christmas
Monday, December 15, 2003
My Prayer Today
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart.
I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus.
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath.
©1999 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) for Heart of Worship (12-15-2003)
Bible Verses
Exodus 33 and 34 Selected Verses
13 Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people." 14 And the LORD replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you." …. 17 And the LORD replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend." 18 Then Moses had one more request. "Please let me see your glorious presence," he said. …. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live." 21 The LORD continued, "Stand here on this rock beside me. 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed. 23 Then I will remove my hand, and you will see me from behind. But my face will not be seen." …. 8 Moses immediately fell to the ground and worshiped.
Questions for Reflection
What request does Moses make of the Lord (verse 13)?
What was God's answer (verse 14)?
Questions for Exploration
What requests do we make of the Lord?
What answers do we see being provided?
Questions for Understanding
Worshiping God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength is mandatory for believers. God reveals Himself to us in worship. Worship is one of our purposes for living. It is a key to the Christian life. Moses asked God to reveal Himself to him. How do we ask God to reveal Himself to us today?
Question for Application
Worship involves our entire being. We need to let go and let God permeate our minds and hearts as we prepare to worship Him.
In verse 14, what does God promise to do as a result of our worship of Him?
What does God call those who worship Him (verse 17)?
Once Moses was in God's presence, what was his response (verse 8)?
Where do you feel or experience God's presence?
When we come into God's presence, what is our response?
Get Near
God sometimes passes so near that we can feel His presence. He is so close we can almost reach out and touch Him. And yet, He is so magnificent that we will never completely understand all about Him.
It is during true worship that we can experience God as Friend and Creator. It is during true worship that we can feel God's glory.
As we look at the purpose of Christmas this week, let's deepen our worship experiences. Take time each day to worship God – to get near to God.
Give thanks to God each day. Replace our GPH (Gripes Per Hour) list with a TPH (Thanks Per Hour) list. Put on some worship CD's or tapes. Music speaks to our hearts. Sing along – with joy, enthusiasm. Talk to God – tell Him your heart's desires. Listen for God's answers. Be rested. Be renewed. Be revitalized. Give God your heart. He's your Friend!
Re-read Exodus 33:22-23. Note what God does for us when we are in His presence. He covers us with His hand … and we see His back. When we are worshiping God, His hand protects us. We are near to God. When we are worshiping God, He is leading us – going before us. We can see His back and rejoice in knowing that He has been where we are going.
The purpose of Christmas is worship – get near to God today.
All we have is yours. Every single breath. Use each breath for worship.
To view other studies from the Why We Celebrate Christmas series, click here.