Music and singing are a deep part of being human. Mothers sing to their babies, lovers sing songs of devotion, when hearts are filled with joy people sing! People sing in honest moments; sometimes they sing when they need courage. Paul and Silas sang when they were in jail. We sing when we are happy and sometimes when we are desparate. Christmas brings thoughts of carols and familiar songs that warm our hearts. Music was a big part of the first Christmas. Luke records that the sky was filled with angels and they sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Throughout Scripture we see music as part of worship. We also see physical posture as an indication of worship, bowed head, bended knees, prostrate body with faces to the ground, hands lifted toward Heaven, and dancing. Worship comes in many forms, but it flows from a humble heart that if filled with gratitude for God’s love, power and forgiveness. Many times, we don’t feel like worshipping, but if we wait until we feel like it, we may be waiting a while. Worship isn’t just for times of joy and celebration; we are to worship God always and in all circumstances. It’s easier to worship your way into a feeling than to wait for the feeling to happen. William James (famous psychologist) said, “I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.” We are called to worship God! He alone is worthy of all our worship and all our praise and when we humble ourselves in worship we experience his presence, peace, joy, and power! 

Scriptures – Acts 16:25 (NIV); Matthew 26:30 (NIV); Luke 2:10-12, 14 (NIV); Psalm 34:3 (NIV); Job 38:4-7 (NIV); Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV); Hebrews 1:6 (ERV); Luke 1:30-31 (NRSVUE); Luke 1:38 (NRSV); Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIRV); Revelation 7:9-10 (MSG); Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Verse – Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Ps 34:3) On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. (Mt 2:11)

Questions – When was the last time you “truly” worshiped? What’s the difference between singing and worshiping? Describe a memorable worship experience. Do you feel inhibited to express yourself freely in corporate worship? If so, why? Why do some people paint their bodies, do the wave, and act out in strange and unusual ways for a sports team but find themselves unable to express worship to the Creator of the Universe? Explain psychologist William James’ statement: “I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing.”

Prayer (words from – Here I am to Worship written by Tim Hughes) – “King of all days, oh, so highly exalted, glorious in Heaven above. Humbly You came to the earth You created; all for love’s sake became poor. Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You’re my God. You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.” I worship you my Savior and my King! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.