TERRE HAUTE —
Those manger scenes I’ve been talking about remind us that Joseph’s heart was full of courage and Mary’s heart was obedient. As for the shepherds — their hearts were full of worship.
Those shepherds were sitting on that hillside, watching their sheep. It was night time, and the sheep were settled down. It was quiet, and the shepherds must have been strolling through, counting sheet while trying not to go to sleep.
Maybe some of them were gathered around a fire talking in low tones about something or nothing in particular. Maybe they had just shared a meal and were settling down for the night. Maybe some had fallen asleep dreaming of softer beds than the ground and sweeter smells than a hillside full of sheep.
Then, with no warning, an angel appeared to them. The angel was filled with the glory of the Lord and the shepherds were frightened beyond words. The angel told them not to be afraid, for he had good news of great joy. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Then, before the shepherds had time to say a word, suddenly, the sky was filled with angels too numerous to count. They were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Those shepherds must have been standing there, craning their necks to stare at the sky, feeling the vibrations in their chest caused by the sound of a host of angels praising God, in such amazement that their chins might have dropped to their chest in silent amazement. What was going on? What was the meaning of what they were seeing and hearing? Then, when the angels left them, how dark it must have seemed, how quiet it must have become.
The shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see the baby the Lord had told them about. So, leaving their flocks, off they went, searching for Jesus. (Read the entire account in Luke 2:8-15.)
What did the shepherds do when they found Jesus? They worshipped Him. They knew he was Special. The believed His birth was a miracle. The angels told them the Baby in the manger was Christ the Lord. And they did not hesitate. They worshipped.
Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’—which means ‘God with us.’” Jesus willingly left His heaven to come to earth, to be born of a virgin, to die on the cross for our sins. That makes Him worthy of our worship.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! He is worthy of our worship. Are our hearts ready?
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, maybe reached at vrdspeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: He is worthy: Are our hearts full of worship this Christmas?
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
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Church briefs: May 19, 2012
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Don’t let a grudge rob you of living in peace with others
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Church Briefs: May 12, 2012
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THE JOY LADY: April 28, 2012
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Christian recording artist endorses Valley author’s book
Bryan Duncan, Dove and Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer singer and songwriter, recently endorsed Clay County author Marjorie E. Hopkins’ book.
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Indiana female priest challenges Catholic church
A former Catholic nun went through an ordination ceremony in Indianapolis to become a priest in defiance of the church’s ban on women becoming priests.
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CHURCH BRIEFS: April 14, 2012
Terre Haute St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school and middle/high school youth group meet at 9 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall. -
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King David was a mighty warrior, a popular leader, a talented musician and a prolific hymn writer.
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Seminar on ‘Caring for the Barren Woman’
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Easter services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods: A Miracle Retold
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Ministry to screen families for free food distribution
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THE JOY LADY: Perhaps we understand what we want and disregard the rest
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Church to offer Financial Peace University series
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Church briefs: April 7, 2012
Children’s Religious Education begins at 10:50 - There are two groups, youth ages 5 to 9 and Tweens, ages 10 and up. Child care for younger children is provided for the entire service.
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THE JOY LADY: In April or any month, you’re foolish if you deny God for lack of understanding
On April 1, 1957, BBC reporter Richard Dimbleby announced that because of an extremely mild winter, the dreaded spaghetti weevil was virtually eliminated.
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Interactive ‘Passion in the Park’ beginning Thursday in Fairbanks Park
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Sisters of Providence plan ‘Come and See Weekend’ April 13-15
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THE JOY LADY: ADo you ever wonder if people frustrate God?
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Wise men and women are always learning
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‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ dinner and auction set
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Church Briefs, March 17, 2012
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Our eyes should always look to Jesus, our faces reflecting God
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Church plans ‘Beatletudes’ concert for tornado victims
Memorial United Methodist Church is planning a benefit event, “The Beatletudes,” for the tornado victims in southern Indiana.
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Applications being accepted for Providence Associates
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