Just a candle...

The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung. (Phillips Brooks)

Most of us have all sung some form of Christmas carol at one time or another. It doesn't matter that it was or wasn't in tune, we sang out. Why? There was something about that time of year that made your heart burst into song. Jingle Bells, Noel, or O Come All Ye Faithful - the songs burst forth. We hear them on all the overhead PA systems in malls, grocery stores, and on the radio while we travel here and there. Did you know that singing praises is an expression of joy? It is the expression of the heart to God. With that in mind, let those songs rip!

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5:11-12)

When we have taken refuge in Christ, the natural outcome is to give praise. Don't stifle it - let it out! As God spreads his protection over us, our soul begins to feel a song rising within. There is something about feeling 'well and protected' that brings a sense of contentment and peace over our lives. Do you know what contentment and a sense of wellness does? It makes us want to express gratitude - psalms and songs of praise are nothing more than an expression of the heart revealing the immense gratitude we have within.

During this season of Christmas, let us not stifle God's praises. Worship him in spirit and in truth. Let your inner man loose - let those hymns, songs, and psalms rise. Carol on! Have you ever really listened to some of the words of those carols? I came across one the other day that touched my heart. So, as we end today, I will include the lyrics for you to consider. A candle - God's perfect light - know the riches you have this season! Enjoy!

A Candle in The Window: https://tinyurl.com/lrwsqfh

There's a road that I remember leading to a special place
Where the door was always open to a smiling face
There's a picture on the mantle of a boy that looks like me
It's always the same, there's a stocking with my name
And a candle in the window, a flame against the night
There's a candle in the window, it's like God's perfect light
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window

Maybe it's just wishful thinking I can hear the sleigh bells ring
Almost taste the pie she's baking, it's Christmas Eve

And there's a candle in the window, a flame against the night
The candle in the window, it's like God's perfect light
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Wherever the years may take me no matter how far I go
There's going to be a candle burning, it's always nice to know
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Time for a celebration

Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him. Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator, Zion’s children exult in their King. Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music! And why? Because God delights in his people, adorns plain folk with salvation garlands! (Psalm 149:4)

If God were to hear you sing to him - just to him - what would that song be today? Would it be a lamenting tune, focusing on all the woes of the world around you? Would it be a cheerful, warm, and happy tune, focusing on all God is doing to take care of you at this very moment? Would it be a worshipful song - one in which the focus is not so much what God is or has been doing, but on who he is? His name is worthy of praise. He is to be exalted - not for what he does, but for who he is - our Savior.

Celebrating God may seem foreign to some who have not grown up in a home where God was in the center of all that transpired. It may not be the easiest for those who have come through life challenges too innumerable and disgusting to admit have occurred. It may not be foremost in the mind of the one so consumed with the 'why me' questions that they fail to see God in the midst of the present calamity. That doesn't change the fact that God should be celebrated. Nothing will elevate our fallen and broken spirit or emotions more than raising our hands and voices in worship.

God has adorned us with all manner of beauty - even though we may not feel very beautiful at times. He has outfitted us with 'salvation garments' - the best fitting garments to be found. Think of them as 'grace garments' - one fitting so well upon the other until we are totally covered by his grace. That alone should cause us to exalt his name! Nothing 'ugly' or 'unbecoming' is left uncovered - it is transformed by the garment of grace. Celebrate grace today and in so doing, you will be celebrating God himself. Just sayin!