His Name is Wonderful

Advent Themes:

First Week: Sin, Confession, and Forgiveness.

Second Week: Peace on Earth.

Third Week: Serving the Lord.

Fourth Week: Worship and Waiting.

Sunday 24th December: Songs of Praise

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. (Isaiah 12:4–6)

This year, the last Sunday in advent is the day before Christmas Day. And if we have only one day left, we need to spend it wisely, organising our time to do only the most essential things.

There is one thing which is essential: as we welcome Christ's coming into the world, we must bring to him our gifts of praise and thanksgiving. Sounds of joy and happiness are fitting at this time of year, and especially so when they are directed towards God in worship. For God has done 'glorious things', taking on himself the form of man, born as a baby in Bethlehem, that he might become our Saviour. Isaiah sees the manifestation of God's presence as cause to shout and sing for joy. The presence of God brings an exuberance into our worship—Christ has come, God is really among us! Let's get excited!

After all, births are joyous occasions. Tomorrow, many of us will celebrate by giving presents, perhaps eating a little too much, and by spending time with family. Even those who are working on the big day will find some time for this over the Christmas season. But what of today? Let's make it a day to shout and sing our praises, for Jesus our king has come, and 'great is the Holy One of Israel' among us!

Prayer: Lord, as Isaiah praised you for the good news of Christ and the great things you have done, so we would praise you at this Christmas season for bringing your only son Jesus into the world, to save us from our sins. Hallelujah! Amen.