On Bended Knee or Jumping for Joy!?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 

My favorite childhood tradition was soaking in a Sunday afternoon of Handel’s Messiah performed by the West Virginia symphony orchestra. It literally took up the entire afternoon when you consider the intermission. We typically went the first weekend in December. My dad loved it because it was free and he could sleep sitting up anywhere anytime. But, most importantly it truly made my mom happy. When I listen even now my body literally melts. I don’t know exactly what they’re singing most of the time, but I know Who they’re singing about and it’s brilliantly WONDERFUL music. 

Messiah Sundays kicked off the Christmas season for our family. If we didn’t have our tree up - we would put it up that very night and we would be found humming one of the more familiar songs.  

Yesterday I was introduced to a new song (to me) that popped up on the radio. Have you heard it? It invites you to “come and adore Him on bended knee.” Chris Tomlin’s His Name Is Wonderful:

“Come see the baby, crib for a bed

His mother Mary lay down His sweet head

The starlight was shining, the wisemen were led

Come see the baby and worship Him

His name is Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God, Prince of Peace

Everlasting Father, Emmanuel

Holy One, Son of God

Savior of the world

Come and adore Him on bended knee

He came to ransom someone like me

What could I offer, what could I bring

Come and adore Him, King of Kings

And the greatness of His reign will never end

Let there be peace on earth and all goodwill to men

Come let us worship Him”

Quite the opposite of Messiah, yet they have so much in common. Both give you a beautiful picture of Jesus, why He came and invites you to worship Him in all His fullness. Messiahends with a giant magnetic ending of the Hallelujah Chorus that draws you to your feet in praise. It’s practically irresistible - the feeling of being in that room with the symphony bringing you to that moment. “King of kings and Lord of lords, glory, hallelujah! And He shall reign forever and ever! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!!!”  

No matter which way you worship - on bended knee or jumping to your feet to shout “hallelujah” - it’ll be a gift for Him and He will take it. He will love it. He deserves your praise. Will you give it to Him this Christmas?

Merry Christmas!!! We love you and are honored to journey alongside you with Jesus. 

*Taken from LIFT weekly email.