I sat trembling inside and out as Christmas carols filled the sanctuary. Anxiety rose and doubts abounded as the time drew near for me to make my way to the microphone. A week ago when I received the invitation to share a testimony in the Christmas service, tears pooled in my eyes. I immediately cried out to God in desperation “Lord, do I even have a testimony to share?!” At that moment I felt ill-equipped to share a hope-filled story on the joyous occasion of remembering our Savior’s birth. But, I surrendered my will to the Father, and in doing so, a verse I had read that morning immediately came to mind.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Sometimes professing the name of Jesus is an expression overflowing from joy and faith. But sometimes it is a sacrifice. And at that moment, it felt so to me.
But Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of sacrifice. He is worthy of having his Name professed. He is worthy of our testimony.
Our family of five sat in silence, waiting on the Lord. On this day of celebrating his birth, we were seeking what gifts we might give him. I marveled that the little ones were able to manage the few minutes of silence as we sat waiting and listening. Esther was the first to break the silence, “I think Jesus wants me to give him patience this year.” We each shared in turn, offering parts of our lives to him. We concluded by praying in submission to the Holy Spirit and in petition for the ability to fulfill the gifts we had offered.
Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of our waiting. He is worthy of our gifts. He is worthy of very lives, every part of them.
I turned over again. Sleep eluded me. Too many nights have been like this recently. Frustrated, I called out to the Lord, “Please help me sleep!” Immediately, I felt a stirring in my heart. The Lord was in my midst. I could waste the time worrying about not getting sleep, or I could set my mind on the Lord, on his Word, on his presence.
Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of our time. He is worthy of sleepless nights. He is worthy of our attention. He is worthy of our every moment.
Our home was filled to the brim with dear friends. Christmas carols rang out, bringing forth a contagious joy that spread around the room. Children were laughing. Delicious treats were being consumed. This night of joyful celebration remembering the miraculous birth of our Savior was indeed a treasured time.
Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of our praise. He is worthy of our joy. He is worthy of celebration.
As we remember the year gone by and anticipate the one to come, let us remember that Jesus is worthy. In everything he is worthy. Above anything he is worthy.
Yes my dear Sister, God is so worthy of our praises, even when life is difficult.
At one time that I call the “dark night of my soul”, all I could hold on to was “God, I know you love me”.
11 years later I still don’t have the full understanding of how God could receive glory out of that situation because it was so ugly, but I am simply trusting that he did.
Thank you for your testimony on Sunday, this is just the beginning of how you will encourage others of God’s faithfulness through your sacrifice of praise.
Press on my Sister!
You are a living testimony to me sweet friend.
Amen!!! Thanks for sharing Karis.
Yes, Karis, He is worthy, of our faithfulness and trust even at those times where we feel very abandoned and confused. Your faith and yieldedness inspire Mom and I this evening!