We see angels ever present during Jesus’ Advent. These creations of God have the privilege of seeing God face to face in Heaven. Angels are seen throughout the Bible rebuking, informing, encouraging, guiding, protecting, advising, but primarily we read of them worshipping.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – Luke 2:13-14
As angels announce the coming of the newborn King, the multitude of the heavenly host praise God. They are witnessing God’s plan for eternity… God becoming flesh.
The immortal touching the mortal.
The holy embracing the unholy.
The infinite grasping the finite.
Spirit becoming flesh.
I imagine the angels must have been astonished and amazed to look down towards Earth and see the Lord God Almighty cloaked in flesh limited with the vulnerability and dependency of a baby. Then, years later as the angels watch God the Son rejected, betrayed, bloodied, beaten, and crucified, I imagine they were astounded and confused. What was this all for? Was the plan faulty? Where did things go wrong?
However, I imagine when the angels took their eyes off the horrors on Earth, they saw in Heaven, God the Father, still on the throne, in all His transcendence, high and lifted up, with great and awesome power, overarching authority, perfect holiness and justice, full of mercy and love. His presence caused the angels to do what they were created to do… fall down before Him in praise and adoration.
From the view of angels, God is still in control. God’s plans are perfect. The messages and encouragement they delivered to God’s people weren’t wasted or insignificant. The angels were able to worship and trust God, whether He lay as a baby in a shabby stable surrounded by animals or whether He was seated in all His majesty and magnificence on His throne in Heaven.
Have we, like the angels, adopted a God’s-eye view, or are we experiencing life through a worldly view centered around our five senses?
A God’s-eye view first begins with worship.
Worship elevates us from the seduction and pull of this self-focused world uniting us with God’s holy presence. Once we meet with God, our heart becomes so full of Heaven that we can’t help but reflect Him. As we read, study, and most importantly apply His Word, we develop His heart and His perspective in our circumstances.
Neither we nor the angels have the mind or the understanding of God, but we can still strive daily to keep God rooted as the center of our lives. The angels in Heaven spend time with God bowing at His feet. Although they may not have understood the divine concept of “God in flesh,” they never ceased to worship Him.
Can we, like the angels, continue to worship God even when we don’t understand His plan, don’t desire His plan, or outright disagree with His plan?
Christmas, for many, is a wonderful time of celebration of the coming of Christ our King. But for others, Christmas brings feelings of anxiety and sadness. The painful battle of familial strife. The burden of financial strain. Struggles with health issues. Sad memories of lost loved ones.
It is difficult to worship when your heart is full of the burdens and heaviness of this world. Yet, we must cling to the true meaning of this season, because only in Jesus will our hope and joy be found.
When faced with the harsh realities of loss, heartache, frustration and disappointments, how can we shift our perspective? Shhhh… quiet your heart and mind. Listen closely. The song of angels is being sung in Heaven every day of our lives. If we discipline our hearts to hear praises falling from Heaven, we too can celebrate the presence of Jesus in all of our circumstances.
In what situation might God be urging you to change your perspective and develop a God’s-eye view? In what circumstance are you struggling to worship Jesus this Christmas? How can we pray for you?
Peace and grace to you,
Terria serves on the LGG encourager and social media teams. She lives in Virginia with her husband. She is a proud mother of two beautiful girls in college. Her passionate goal is to ignite and empower a generation of millennial women to grab hold of God’s truth and cling to it. She can be tracked down hard at work in busy hospitals listening to patients’ stories, while sharing the lessons and love that God has poured out in her life. Despite the sometimes chaotic circumstances of Terria’s life, God always shows Himself strong and loving.
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So beautiful Terria. Worship elevates us from the seduction and pull of this self-focused world uniting us with God’s holy presence. ” I never looked at worship this way, but it does, maybe that’s why it pulls me when I am struggling, it takes my focus back to where it needs to be…always on God!! Thank you!!
Deanna,
I, too, have developed a deeper understanding of worship during this study. It is such an honor and a pleasure serving with you! ❤
~Terria
I am one of those for whom Christmas brings anxiety and God is urging me to change my perspective regarding my MIL. Our relationship with her is very strained, and Christmas is such a stressful time because of it, even though that’s the only time we see her. I want to see her as God does and treasure this season for what it truly is and not let this struggle get in the way. I would covet your prayers. It seems I can’t gain any ground in this area.
Father God,
I lift up Mitzi and her mother-in-law to You. I ask that You soften both of their hearts and knit them together in unity. Lord, fill Mitzi with patience when her limits are pushed. Fill her with mercy when she fills disrespected. Enable her to overlook spiteful words and attitudes. Remind her that You have filled her with a love that endures, a love that forgives, and a love that never fails. Allow her experience and share that divine love even when it seems impossible. Lord, let no person and no situation prevent her from celebrating Your Holy Advent with joy and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~Terria
I too have had a difficult relationship with my MIL. What I try to do is to focus on one of the good things about her. The more I dwell on the more difficult the harder it is for me to be with her.
I am separated from my husband and children … my foolish, sinful choices. I have been praying for reconciliation and am trying to live to please God, but things don’t look good. I know He can do absolutely anything … I just don’t know if He will. I need prayer that I can make Jesus first in my life, that He is all I need. If my husband never lets me go home I need Jesus to be enough.
Father God,
I lift up Lisa and her family to You. Lord, You are the restorer and healer of the brokenhearted. Lord, bring restoration to this marriage. Remove all obstacles that separate this family. Help Lisa to continue to passionately pursue You above all things. Comfort her and cover her as she patiently waits for You to do powerful work in her situation. Give her confidence and strength to trust and follow You, no matter the outcome. Remind her of Your steadfast love and forgiveness as she endures. Remind her daily that, in Your power, You make all things new and can bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~Terria
I have been so thankful for this study! Broken relationships and loss have veiled the Christmas season in sadness the past few years. I have been challenged this Christmas to put aside the materialism, the sadness, the anxiety, and refocus my eyes on the God of peace, love, and hope, to fall on my knees and praise Him for the blessings He gives us. The gift of Jesus is what truly makes Christmas so beautiful! I want to celebrate that!
Melissa,
I, too, have loved this study. It is definitely a struggle to fight through the consumerism and materialism this season. People just seem lost and hopeless. You are so right that focusing on Jesus reminds us of what really matters. Your choice to celebrate Jesus and your journey with Him can be the beginning of a wonderful new tradition. Reflecting on those hard things in the past in the light of Jesus and His plan for You may give you a deeper experience of His presence throughout your life. I’m so excited for you. Have a wonderful Christmas!
~Terria
“Shhhh… quiet your heart and mind. Listen closely. The song of angels is being sung in Heaven every day of our lives. If we discipline our hearts to hear praises falling from Heaven, we too can celebrate the presence of Jesus in all of our circumstances.” What a beautiful picture! I will remember ‘my heart hearing praises falling from Heaven’ and rejoice in our Future…and find strength for our ‘now’.
Joan,
I remember spending months and years just waiting for life to happen…waiting to be happy, waiting until ‘this’ situation was sorted out, waiting until ‘that’ person was out of my life. Lol. I wasted a lot of time. It truly took understanding God’s heart for me to embrace ‘living for the now’. Choosing joy no matter what I’m going through and loving people no matter how they treat me always begins for me by remembering Jesus and His choices. I’m so humbled that this passage spoke to you so powerfully. Have a wonderful Christmas!
~Terria
Thank you Terria. Please pray for me that I will
Let God handle the frustrations I feel with my husband around the holidays.
Father God,
I lift up Narva and her husband to You. I thank You for the blessing of making them one in flesh and spirit. I pray that You keep them of one accord as they both seek to serve and honor You. Lord, destroy any relationships, distractions, or opposition that threaten their marriage. Stir up and overflow Your divine love between them so that they will both grow in dependence and obedience to You. Help Narva to surrender any feelings of discouragement and frustration to You. Replace those feelings with loving encouragement, kindness, joy, and respect for her husband. Lord, strengthen Narva’s marriage so that it may be a blessing to others. Let this now be a time of newness and wholeness through Jesus Christ and in His’ name. Amen.
~Terria
A downfall of economy & unforeseen circumstances have landed us in a challenging financial time the past 2 years. During this time I have been tested in pretty much every area of my life:
Control? I have none!
“Surrender All” now holds significance!
Spiritual warfare is real!!
In august, summer months that usually bring out vibrancy & excitement, I felt the life sucked out of me! I have struggled to find my way back & realize Satan is fighting for my joy!
I love digging into the Christmas story & discovering the varied perspectives of each person that played a part. No matter how tough our circumstances, there are so many that have it worse. Knowing God IS in control gives hope in difficult times, & giving ourselves to worship takes our focus off this worlds realities. I am so thankful for Gods faithfulness & am confident that there is a mountaintop waiting….please pray as I walk through this valley that I will stay strong, not give in to the physical & mental attacks, knowing if God is fighting for me/us, who can be against us??!!
Merry Christmas!
Father God,
I lift up Kyla to You as she faces so much. Lord, You are our strong and mighty tower. Our refuge in the midst of storms. Kyla is in a fierce battle, Lord, and she needs You dearly. Lord, help her to continue to fight and stand for You. Help her to remain confident and strong while trusting Your will for her. Give her times of rest and peace so that she can experience joy and Your comfort while replenishing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Show Yourself strong and evident to all who may be witnessing her battles and need to see You prevail. Protect her heart and mind as she focuses on Your power and Your goodness through it all. Remind her each day that You are ever present in the midst of her troubles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~Terria
This study has helped me this year. My mama has cancer and we have been away from home with her for the past 5 weeks in another city, for radiation treatments. I have no presents bought and not much hope of getting any. My husband’s work has been down to very little and it has taken it to take care of our bare needs. But, Christmas isn’t a about that and I know that. I have had a blessed time of focus this year and have spent much quiet time worshipping as I have been decorating the last few days. Only when I have allowed myself to think about the lack of gifts for my children have I felt the anxiety try to creep in. Pray for me that I will overcome those feelings and experience this Christmas from His perspective.
Father God,
I lift Pam, her mother, and her family up to You. You, Lord God, are our strength when we are weak. I ask that You remain Pam’s strength during this trying time. Calm her mind removing any anxiety, fear, or worry. Please continue to comfort and heal her mother. Allow her children to experience Your deep love and presence. Bless and unify this family in the abundance of Your love. Make this time away from home a precious, intimate, and deeply meaningful time for the family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~Terria
Thankyou for this reminder to fix my eyes on heaven and the glory of Jesus and not on my worldly struggles. I needed this. God Bless
Amber,
It seems like every Christmas we all need that reminder of the reason for the season. It is almost as if the world presses in with its pressure and demands in an attempt to suffocate our joy and holiness. However, when we fix our eyes on Heaven, it makes such a difference, doesn’t it? I am so glad that God gave you this message right when you needed it. Have a wonderful Christmas!
~Terria
Oh dear Terria, how I love you and your message! How I need to keep Jesus as my focus! As you put it, “cling to the true meaning of the season.” Just this morning, before I read your blog, my sis in law texted me with all these changed plans for Christmas that upset me. Now, I did pray for a change in attitude, but reading this blog was a perfect reminder. I will put aside any discord and rejoice because it IS THE BIRTH OF MY SAVIOUR!
Thank you, Terria, for this beautiful message! The Holidays aren’t always a happy time for many but if we keep our focus on the meaning for this Season things come into perspective. Having lost many members of my family, this time of year causes much reflection of past Holidays. Thank you all for your posts and participating in this study with us. Know that we are here for you and praying g for all of you. God Bless you all!
Monica,
I know what you mean! I, too, have those ‘worldly’ struggles…the family drama and the sadness of not being with extended family because of strife. But, God… He just continues to show up and perform these little heart miracles, (similar to yours) where He instantly changes my sorrow to joy or changes my anger to forgiveness. I know it is Him, because in those moments, I don’t want to be joyous or forgiving. Lol. I don’t know how God does it, but He does. This Christmas I’m paying closer attention to Him, because I don’t want to miss anything that He has for me. I’ll be praying for you and your sister-in-law. Please be praying for me as well. Have a wonderful Christmas! <3
~Terria
Another Christmas is here and still waiting to be placed with a baby through adoption. It’s been 4 years and I’m having a hard time trusting God for our future. Please pray that my husband and I will have peace about Gods plan and be patient and wait.
Father God,
I lift up Bethany and her husband to You. Lord, You know the cries of their hearts for a baby and their struggles as they wait. Lord, I pray that You give them peace and comfort as they wait on You. Help them to continue to remain eager and expectant knowing that You desire nothing but good things in their lives. Give them new opportunities to serve needy children who will benefit from all of the love they have to pour out. Lord, let them experience great joy, even as they wait patiently on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~Terria
I have today chosen to look situations with God’s eye view. Thanks for the article