Praise Redirects Us

Praise surrounds Christmas. The carols and songs signal that Christmas is near! Praise surrounded the first Christmas. The virgin Mary in shock and amazement at being chosen to bear the Son of God, still burst forth with praise — “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Remember, this engaged teenager heard the shocking news she will bear a son, a virgin birth through the power of the Holy Spirit. Imagine her incredulity! Yet praise to God redirected her towards willingness to do God’s will.

Others chosen by God for their roles were Zechariah and Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s parents. Each of them, although their lives were drastically changed, also responded with praise to God. And the shepherds, the working-class keepers of the sacrificial sheep, were terrified when they saw the angels announcing Jesus’ birth. But upon seeing the new baby, “they returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).

What does praise do for us?

My experience with a hand injury taught me something about praising God. How to get through this heartbreaking time without being able to play the piano? Yet, I kept attending worship, although sitting in the pew instead of at the piano. The praise and worship carried me through that time.

*     Praise acknowledges what others have done.

*     Praise acknowledges what God has done.

*     Praise springs from a thankful heart.

*     Praise can also spring from a heavy heart.

*     Praise refocuses us upward.

*     Praise puts our troubles into perspective.

*     Praise changes our attitude.

May you sing the carols with enthusiasm this season and praise the Lord who is above all. It will put your life and the world’s troubles into perspective.

Jesus our Savior is born!

+ Campus Pastor Sherree Lane

Thank you for reading our article.  Read more stories.  If you would like more information about the Avinity Spiritual Care Program click here, or for more information about Avinity here, or about our Communities, here.