Dec 14 – Reading: Psalm 96
Psalm 96:2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. (NIV)
Last Friday evening, a handful of our folks joined together to sing Christmas Carols to the pub next door. It was the first time we’ve ever done this and I was a wee bit nervous about how it would be received. We were also singing through masks, so I wondered if anyone would hear us.
It turned out to be a really nice event and several of the customers stopped for a moment to hear us sing, as well as wishing us a Merry Christmas. I hope that next year when all of this pandemic is over, we have scores of church folks who will join us to sing to the pub’s customers. I think Jesus would have liked this, after all, He spent a great deal of His ministry drinking and being with folks in local inns.
Singing Christmas carols is a great reminder of the good news of salvation which Jesus brings to the Earth. We all need God’s forgiveness in our lives and, at this time of year, we may be carrying more regrets as the year ends. The good news is this: Christ forgives us completely and restores us to God’s favor which is why we sing great Christmas songs like ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Good Christian Folks. Rejoice!’
Q: What do I need to be forgiven this Christmas?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bring joy to our hearts and peace to our souls. Encourage us to rejoice and sing out Your praises. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.