Rediscovering Joy in Worship

Have you ever been to a church service that felt lifeless? Maybe the music was dull, the sermon unengaging, and it seemed like everyone was just waiting for it to end. It's unfortunate, but it happens. Worship can sometimes feel routine, even stale. But I believe that Sunday mornings should feel alive—like we are entering the presence of a living God with joy in our hearts and anticipation in our spirits.

Especially during Christmas, we have a profound reason to hold on to joy in worship. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, who came into our darkness to bring hope, peace, and joy. Whatever burdens or disappointments you may carry today, worship reminds us that Jesus is alive and with us.

We come to worship not out of obligation but to proclaim that Jesus is our Savior, Redeemer, and Joy. As the angels declared on that holy night, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:14).

The Shepherds' Response: Worship by Sharing
In Luke 2:15-20, we see how the shepherds responded to the good news of Jesus' birth—they worshiped by sharing. These humble, ordinary men were the first to hear the message of the Savior's birth. They didn't keep it to themselves. Instead, they joyfully shared their experience, and their story amazed everyone who heard it.

1. They Shared the Message.
"They reported the message they were told about this child." (Luke 2:17)

The shepherds couldn't contain the good news of Jesus. They had to share what they had heard and seen. We, too, have a story to share. When God moves in your life—whether it's an answered prayer, a time of healing, or His sustaining peace—don't keep it to yourself. Share it with others. You never know who might need to hear your story of God's faithfulness.

2. Their Story Impacted Others.
"And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:18)

The shepherds' testimony encouraged and inspired those around them. Your story has power. Sharing what Jesus has done in your life can bless others in ways you might not even realize. People are drawn to authenticity, and your personal testimony of a changed life can plant seeds of faith in others.

3. They Worshiped God for Their Experience.
"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard." (Luke 2:20).

The shepherds' worship didn't stop after they shared the news. They continued to glorify God for what they had experienced. True worship flows out of gratitude and joy. The shepherds didn't focus on their circumstances; they focused on the goodness of God. They couldn't stop praising Him for what He had done.

Your Story Matters. Amazingly, God chose shepherds—ordinary, overlooked men—to be the first evangelists. If God can use shepherds, He can use you. Your story, your life, is a powerful testimony of Jesus' love and faithfulness. People can argue with your logic or your theology, but they can't argue with the reality of a life changed by Jesus.

This Christmas, worship by sharing your story. Just like the blind man in John 9 who was healed by Jesus, you don't have to have all the answers. He simply said, "One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!" (John 9:25). Share what God has done in your life, no matter how small or incomplete it may feel.

What has Jesus done in your life?

• Were you hopeless, but now you have joy?
• Were you broken, but now you're healed?
• Were you lost, but now you're found?

God is still writing His story through you. You invite others to experience His grace and hope when you share it.

Worship Through Surrender. In Luke 1:38, Mary shows us another way to worship—through surrender. When the angel told her she would give birth to the Son of God, her response was courageous and full of faith: "I am the Lord's servant...May it happen to me as you have said." Surrendering to God's plan can be challenging, especially when it's unexpected or difficult. But true worship happens when we trust God's will over our own. Mary surrendered completely, knowing that God was in control.

This Christmas, worship by surrendering it all to Jesus. Surrender your plans, fears, and disappointments, and trust that God knows what's best for you. As Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Surrendering isn't giving up; it's giving in to the God who loves you and has a greater plan for your life.

Worship Through Singing. The angels worshiped by singing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:14).

Singing praises to God is a beautiful and powerful way to worship, especially at Christmas. Christmas carols are filled with rich biblical truth. Consider these lyrics from O Holy Night: "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth."

Have you ever lost your joy because you forgot your worth? Your soul has immeasurable value to God. Jesus' coming to earth is proof of that. When you sing worship songs, you declare the truth of who God is and what He has done for you.

This Christmas, worship by singing praises to Jesus. Whether it's a favorite carol or a modern worship song, let the truths of these songs become the soundtrack of your season. Even when you don't feel like singing, praise can be a powerful weapon against discouragement.

Conclusion: Hold on to Joy in Worship
This Christmas don't let the busyness or burdens of life steal your joy. True joy is found in worship—not just in singing, but in sharing your story and surrendering your life to Jesus. Like the shepherds, may we boldly proclaim the good news and glorify God for all He has done.

Worship is our response to the worthiness of Jesus. He is our Savior, Redeemer, Hope, and Joy. Let's come into His presence this Christmas with hearts full of joy, ready to worship.

Application Questions
1. What has God done in your life that you can share with others this Christmas?
2. Is there an area of your life that you need to surrender to God's plan?
3. How can you intentionally worship Jesus through singing this week?

This Christmas, hold on to joy in worship by sharing your story, surrendering your life, and singing praises to Jesus.