A Freedom Christmas, Week 2: Stay in Awe

“Stay in Awe” Awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) Fear = respect / Awe = to dwell in; inhabit Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NLT) Embrace the JOURNEY “The progress a traveler makes is driven by His passion for the destination.” – Levi Lusko You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV) If you are going to seek Him with all your heart… you are going to have to leave what you’ve always known. King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Matthew 2:3-4 (NLT) “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Matthew 2:5-6 (NLT) Fight FAMILIARITY If we aren’t careful, the FAMILIARITY of Christmas can steal from us the WONDER of Christmas. Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Matthew 2:7-8 (NLT) Make a PERSONAL discovery Come near to God and he will come near to you… James 4:8 (NIV) After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (NLT) "You will never fully understand God... But you can constantly discover Him." - Brady Boyd When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (NLT) Worship HIM What we worship… is what has our deepest attention and affection. Worship is not a religious duty… but a relational response. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Worship establishes lordship. Worship eliminates pride. Worship exchanges burdens. Worship elevates Jesus.