They (The shepherds) hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

Christmas is here.

After years of the world waiting, anticipating and pining… Jesus was born. Not at all the way the Messiah’s entrance was expected… but ever so simply, quietly and beautifully He came.

We peek once more at the shepherds’ experience of the Messiah’s entrance into our world, and we are reminded of our opportunity – dare I say, responsibility – to respond to Christmas.

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished…

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:17-20

Our response to Christmas – to the Advent season – is to go back to our everyday lives glorifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen! No matter what your “normal” looks like right now, we can choose to glorify Him in the midst of it.

This is what it means to keep Christmas with you all year long. So, as I think upon Christmas…

When I think upon Christmas
Words can’t express
How our Father in heaven
Has sent us His best
To be born in a manger
The King in the hay
And creation will worship His Name

For the joy of the world
He was born
Bringing peace to us all
Through the gift of the Son
Now the darkest of ages are done
For the Saviour of heaven has come

When I think upon Jesus
The King of all days
I can’t help but respond
With an offering of praise
Like the wise men and shepherds
I’ll follow Your light
Like the angels I’ll lift Your Name high

Now I look back in reverence
To that holy night
For the God of the heavens
Had us on His mind
Let us sing of His glory
Rejoice in His Name
Oh Emmanuel with us always
And forever His kingdom will reign *

Merry Christmas dear friends, Merry Christmas!

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* When I Think Upon Christmas by Hillsong Worship