Sing Over Me

In October, we celebrated the birth of our 3rd child. Even though it had only been 3 short years since our middle child was born, I was shocked at how quickly my “baby muscles” atrophied. In some ways, it was a completely new learning process. In some ways, the second time around was not as big of a deal, as our first two children were only 18 months apart. But this time, now with a son, it’s as though I’m a newbie. The weary, bag-laden eyes, the tired backs, the simple house chores going undone…for weeks on end…man, it’s time to take out the trash!!!

But one thing that I can do, quite literally in my sleep, is get our babies ready for sleep. From the very first night we brought our oldest child home from the hospital, I have made it my job to put the babies in the crib. Many times, this routine begins with burping (the baby, that is), and then I wrap the child up in a blanket tightly like a delicate tamale. Then, I put the baby on my shoulder, and stroll around the house. As I walk, in spend most of the time praying – praying that our child will be safe and strong and that he will grow in favor with the Lord. Other times, I just tell God thank you over and over for the blessing the life in my gentle grasp. But still, other times, I sing a song over my child that will be both calming and instructive. I delight in this time, and nothing I can think of draws a parent closer to a child than when they sing over them.

Do you realize it is the same for God? In Zephaniah, we see a picture of the mighty Jehovah that brings us back to the image of an infant, when the prophet refers to God as one who sings over his children rather than rebuking them. And surely, God sang a powerful song the night His own son was born into the world – that Jesus Christ was the one foretold about for all of history to save the world. When God sings a song over his children, it certainly is something special!

In your worship this week, picture the image of the parent holding the child and singing over them. As you do, put yourself in both roles and feel the feelings of each. Next, meditate on yourself being the child and God as the parent. Finally, picture in you mind the incredible sons that God sang over Jesus that night in Bethelehem.

Resounding Themes:

Rejoicing with Singing
A Delighted Father God
Baby Jesus, Our Savior


Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

Zephaniah 3:17

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What side of God does the prophet first portray about God? Why is this image important for him to communicate? How are the terms “warrior” and “save” connected?

- What does it mean for God to take delight in his children? Have you every taken delight in a/your child? Explain? How did it make you feel? Was there anything you wouldn’t do for that child in that moment?

- The prophet explains that in his love, God would no longer rebuke his child, Israel. Why do you think God has been in the business of rebuking his holy nation? Have you ever had to strongly rebuke a child? Have you ever been rebuked for acting badly?

- Finally, Zephaniah paints the beautiful picture of God singing and rejoicing over his children. Have you ever had that opportunity before? Is it hard to imagine God in such a position? What type of song do you think God sang to his baby boy Jesus as he slept on the night of his birth? What song does God sing over you?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Lord God, our hearts are filled with songs of praise! You have placed within us a spirit of praise whose object is You and You alone. For this, we give thanks and pour out our hearts in devotion.

And Father, we know that You are devoted to us, in ways too deep to completely fathom. Surely, You are our Father, and we are Your helpless children – and in our helpless need, O God, You sing songs of comfort, joy, strength, instruction, grace, and peace over us until all is right.

Lord, we don’t’ want to move from Your sweet embrace or the nearness of Your face. And so, as You draw near to us, invite us to draw near to You – as a child to a parent. And as we do, sing over us once again, Your amazing song!

In Christ’s name. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Prepare Ye the Way of the Houseguests!!

Have you ever gone to great lengths to prepare your house for guests?

I confess, we are in the throws of it right now. For, you see, we are having a dinner party for about 30 at our house on Saturday night!! Oh, the preparations! To date, we have already put up the Christmas tree, decorations, and the outside light show (though not as ornate as some on our street!!). Now, we are going through the motions of moving furniture, cleaning every nook and cranny, finding a way for our humble home to contain all of the guests that will descend in just a matter of days.

And so much has to be planned, don’t you know. It’s not just a simple as telling everyone to bring a sack lunch and wrapped gift. Oh, no…there is a menu to be planned, games to be set-up, entertainment to orchestrate, and baby-sitting. By the time we plop into bed on Saturday night, we will have spent an incredible amount of preparation for just two short hours of fun, fun, fun!

PS – I really am looking forward to it!!

For centuries, the prophets pointed to a time when a Messiah would come to redeem Israel and save the world. Their ministry to the people on behalf of God was to prepare the nations for such an event. Even as late as the time of Malachi, the talk of redemption was still on the lips of Judah. Then, some 4 centuries later, the prophecy was fulfilled, and as John the Baptist comes on the scene, he makes it his mission to preach the baptism of forgiveness and to turn people’s hearts to repentance. In that way, he was preparing the world for the ministry of Jesus. In fact, we know from Paul’s writings that God had been preparing the way for His Messiah all along, and at just the right time in history – far be it from us to know when, where, and why – Christ came and died for the ungodly that we might be saved.

In your worship this week, think about what level of preparation it took to put your heart in a right place to receive the Messiah. Meditate on ways you continually prepare a welcome place for him in your life. Seek God’s favor on those you have contact with who have yet to receive the Savior in their own hearts, and pray that God would prepare them for His coming.

Resounding Themes:

Our Savior, the Christ Child
God’s Salvation
A Heart for the World

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 3:1-6

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- In Malachi, what good news does the prophet bring to the people? Why might this news be received warmly amongst the recipients? Yet, even in the coming of the Almighty, what difficult news is coupled with joy? What service will the Lord render against the people? Why is this a necessary act for His will to continue? What does the Lord have to say about Israel’s current sacrifices and offerings? Why are they currently unacceptable?

- In Luke, we are introduced to another prophet, called John the Baptist. What is he doing as we meet him in the text? What explanation does he give for his actions? How has he used Old Testament prophecy to explain the present day? To whom does he refer?

- Just as the prophets paved the way for the Messiah to come to earth, so too, he has made his way into our hearts. How is your life different because of the coming of the Savior? What hills were leveled and valleys raised for him to have a way into your life? In turn, what can we do in order to smooth the path for the Savior to enter the lives of those we love?

Ready, Set, PRAY

God, what a great preparer You are! For everything we see, and so much we cannot, is the evidence of Your genius, design, and planning. Your masterful preparations have brought forth light where there was darkness, substance where there was void, and life where there was none.

God, we thank you for preparing the way for your son Jesus. Thank you for preparing and arranging history in such a manner to allow Christ to have the greatest effect in accordance to Your will. Thank you for preparing the hearts of those early followers who believed and obeyed the Gospel and brought it forth to this present day. Thank you for cultivating Your own message of salvation in our own hearts, that we too might accept the Messiah into out hearts. And thank you for straightening the paths, lowering the mountains, and raising the valleys for Your son to enter into the heart of every man, woman, and child of present day.

Lord, as this season is upon us, would You do Your preparing work once again, as we receive the baby Jesus into our lives anew, and seek to prepare his entrance into the lives of those we love who have yet to meet him. This is Your servant’s prayer. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!