"Celebration of Life"

Luke 2:10-14

"But the angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: Your will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'

Suddenly a great company of the Heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom His favor rests."

Matthew 21:7-9

"They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest Heaven!"

With Christmas just a couple days away I have been preparing myself for one of my favorite holidays. There are many fond memories and many not so good, but what's better than preparing for something that can bring you peace, joy and excitement all in one like Christ's coming. I know it may sound a little clique but have you ever thought about that first Christmas that has changed history, changed mankind, our calendar and changed how we think.

Yes I understand that not everyone believes in Christ as the only way to God, that He existed or that He is the Messiah, but imagine for just one second if an angel visited you. What would you do? Imagine if the sky broke into harmonious sounds and voices at the birth of a baby. Would you pass out or be terrified? I know I would. 

Even for those who don't believe, think about this, have you ever seen someone come into the world being celebrated with such great fan fair only to die with the same type of great fan fair. If someone is celebrated in death it is usually because people want them gone, but this was a man who was celebrated at His birth, near His death and after His resurrection.  There is certainly something about that I must say.

So as I was thinking about the celebrations of Jesus at His birth, death and resurrection I could only think about one thing; praise. If praise and worship entered in peace, joy, glory and the Messiah into the preamble of what was to come, imagine what would happened if we invited the Prince of Peace, the God of Glory, the Joy of Life and the Messiah into our day and into each situation with praise how different things would be. Would He be the Peace in your broken family? Would He be the joy where death was consuming every thought? Would He be the Glory that clothes you when you feel like a failure and not worthy? Would He be Messiah or Promise when all hope seems gone?

It is through praise that mountains in our lives are moved, hearts changed, peace comes and promises fulfilled.

As I have been enjoying some new Christmas music this year, a few new songs have charged me and excited me even more this year about the life and legacy of a baby who is God incarnate where all I can do is praise Him. One such song is from Danny Gokey called "Lift Up Your Eyes." It is one of those powerful songs that reminds me of the angels saying "Glory to God in the highest" as it reminds me of the exact same words "Hosanna in the Highest Heaven. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

Have you taken the time in all of the busyness to praise God and see what is about to happen?

http://youtu.be/cxd-J28bBbM

CAL