Merry Christmas! It is indeed a day to celebrate the good news.

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For on this day, we celebrate our God becoming flesh. Rejoice that as believers in the one true God, you are part of a community of brothers and sisters, whose God is the only God who became human and walked the Earth with us. You believe in truth, mercy, grace, forgiveness, hope, and love. You are part of something undeniable that changes lives from the inside out. And you get to delight in a joy that will last for all eternity.

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“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11).

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On a day of such good news, let's follow the example of the wise men and worship the One named Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Join me for the next few minutes in guided worship by reading and reflecting on the following passages. Offer yourself singly or share the passages with your family and friends. Let your worship, praise, and prayer be your gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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Come, let us worship the newborn King.

‍Worship: “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:6).

Praise: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1).

Prayer: Lord, we stand in awe of the works of Your hands. Your creation, endless in beauty and splendor, is laid out as a testament that declares to the world: There is a God. Of that, there is no doubt! Creation points to a Creator, and that Creator is You, Lord, the one true God. Thank You for a constant reminder of Your sovereignty and glory.

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Worship: “When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, 'He is good; his love endures forever' ” (2 Chr. 7:3).

Praise: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Ps. 19:7-8).

Prayer: Glory be to God who makes His presence shine amongst His people. You light the way in the darkness and lead us on the paths of righteousness. May all who see the glory of the Lord worship and praise You. You, Lord, are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. How comforting it is to know You walked this Earth. You lead from the front – worthy of our faith, trust, and love. Thank you for guiding us toward your eternal Kingdom.

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Worship: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28).

Praise: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Ps. 45:6-7).

Prayer: There is none like you, Lord. Where else should our allegiance lie? You are the rock on which we build our houses. There is nowhere that You cannot go, so go with us, Lord. We invite you into our lives, every nook and corner, every high and low. See if there is any offensive way in us and lead us in the way everlasting. Thank you for the joy of hope born on this day.

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Close with Worship: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Close with Praise: I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever” (Ps. 145:1).

Close with Prayer: We worship a holy God. Welcome Immanuel; Thy will be done. May our gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh have value and sweet aromas pleasing to You, for ever and ever.  

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Merry Christmas and Amen.