There are times when we hear a story over and over again that we tend to listen with only one ear. With all of the residence being older than I am, I felt it was important to review the Christmas story with fresh eyes and ears.
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know.”
There are similarities with the Christmas story and events in King David’s life. Here is just one that I have noticed. 2Samuel Chapter 6 –David begins the process of bringing home the Ark of Covenant.
2 Sam 6:13-15
13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. (Every six steps is an event of worship).
The Christmas Story – with every event there is worship.
Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel; and after she receives the seed of Christ. The very next verse after the angel left Mary in Luke 1:39; Mary quickly leaves for Elizabeth’s home. We know from the book of Matthew that Joseph needed a dream from God in order to accept the situation. She could have been stoned according to the Jewish culture.
Notice Mary's first words to Elizabeth is not regarding her situation, it is full of praise and worship to God: Luke 1:46-49 "And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name. (Take the time and look up the entire worship verses 46-54.)
The second main event is the birth of Christ. Luke 2:8-14 (I will let you look it up to save space). The angel tells the shepherds about Christ birth and how to recognize Him. It is at this time the second worship happens. Heaven releases the angels to worship with the shepherds being a witness to this glorious sight.
The shepherds find Jesus in the manger and many stories today immediately show the shepherds worshiping Christ. However, notice verse 17 "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."
The shepherds were so excited about what they witnessed, they took off and began to spread the word. (I know my husband, he would have ran to me and as he pulled me in that direction he would quickly explain.) Notice verse 20 "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." (I believe they returned with family and friends, and worshiped.)
The Christmas story does not at this time go to the wise men. Scripture takes us to Jesus' next main event at 8 days old being circumcised. Luke 2:21-32; Simeon is the first man to preach in the presence of Christ. His praise to God is worship and the fourth time Jesus is worshiped.
Luke 2:36-37; Anna is the first woman to preach in the presence of Christ.
The last worship of the Christmas story is in the book of Matthew chapter 2; the Magi or the Wise men. (More to discuss on them later.)
Every six steps David worshiped; and six times for each event Christ was worshiped: Mary, Angels, Jews (Shepherds), Man, Woman, and Gentiles (Magi).
The Christmas story has become a wonderful reminder to worship through all events in my life; the good and the bad.
Join me this season claiming Jeremiah 33:3 and together we can have our eyes opened to the Christmas Story.
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