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Isa 5:12..And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their
feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his
hands. (KJV)
This Christmas is a special time of celebration as we, believers commemorate the birth of Christ almost 2,000 years ago. Just as the Shepherds, wise men, and Angels waited and came expectantly to worship and glorify the Lord at His coming, so should the attitude of our hearts be the same as we look back in remembrance. But we do not just stop there and leave the Christ child in the manger. We also regard His accomplished work done on the cross as a man, to heal and cleanse us of sin. We also consider the operation of his hands even now to deliver us from this present evil world.
It is sad to see so much holiday celebration with little regard for the Lord in Christmas doings these days. The expression of worship always known by us becomes a form in itself, that is exalted and lifted up instead of Jesus. To see the material traditions of the world highlighted above the reality of God, dishonors Christ and is grieving for anyone truly serving the Lord.
In (ISA 5:12) we see the music in these gatherings is not being directed toward Praise, worship, and Glorifying God, but instead used for entertainment and pleasure. The emphasis in these religious gatherings seems to be off of God, and on the feast. They seem to be having a time of celebration but their source of Joy is based on something else other than God. This something else continues to manifest itself in the church today such as professional music, programs, traditions, formalism, and anything else that substitutes mans ability for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
(2 TIM 3:4) Paul says that one of the dangerous temptations in the last days is to be "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." Notice it doesn't say they don't love God, but says they Love Pleasures more. Anything that comes before God on any level is idolatry. (2 TIM 3:5)..continues this warning of perilous times by saying..."they have a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof" The power denied here is spiritual power from God to change them into his image and likeness. They identify themselves as belonging to God, but reject any advances of the holy spirit to make them his workmanship.
This Christmas let us not dismiss Christ for the holiday cheer and tradition, but instead, include Him in every part of the season. You'll find your time spent with family and friends will take on a whole new meaning when you regard the Lord in your gatherings. The "New Year" will prosper the most by allowing the Holy Spirit to have his way fully in all your affairs. We can make God our chief source of joy and fulfillment, if we seriously consider the work He wants to do in us, and through us.