Dear church family, as we find ourselves in the midst of this blessed Christmas season, we are reminded of the greatest gift ever given: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through His birth that we have received new hope, peace, and joy, all freely given by God’s grace. But how do we respond to such a marvelous gift? How do we reflect the gratitude that fills our hearts in this season?
The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful insight into this in Ephesians 5:19-21, where he writes:
"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (NASB)
In these verses, Paul encourages us to express our gratitude through worship, through thanksgiving, and through humility toward one another. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us explore how we can live out this gratitude in three powerful ways: through joyful worship, through thanksgiving in all circumstances, and through submission to one another in the spirit of Christ.
Gratitude Through Joyful Worship
The first way to express gratitude in this Christmas season is through joyful worship. Paul urges us to "speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." The heart of gratitude is one that sings, one that rejoices in the goodness of God and in the gift of Christ. Worship is an expression of joy—a deep, soulful response to the Savior who came to us in the form of a humble child in Bethlehem.
Christmas is a season where music fills the air—carols, hymns, and songs that proclaim the birth of Jesus. But beyond the beautiful melodies and lyrics, true worship comes from a heart that understands the significance of what is being celebrated. We don’t just sing to sing; we sing because our hearts are full of joy, full of thanksgiving, full of awe for the incredible gift of Jesus Christ.
Application:
This Christmas, let our hearts overflow in worship. Sing with joy, not only in church but in your home, in your car, and in your daily life. Allow worship to become an act of gratitude—an expression of love for the Savior who has come to redeem us. Every hymn, every song, every prayer of praise is an opportunity to declare your appreciation for God's boundless grace.
Gratitude Through Thankfulness in All Circumstances
In the second part of Ephesians 5:20, Paul writes, "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." Gratitude is not just about the good things in life; it’s about giving thanks in all circumstances. The Christmas season, with its joy and celebrations, is a perfect reminder that gratitude is not conditional on our situation but is rooted in the eternal truth that God is always good.
Consider the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus—born in a manger, laid in swaddling cloths, surrounded by animals and humble shepherds. Yet, the angels proclaimed this to be "good news of great joy." Even in humble circumstances, there was a reason to give thanks. In the same way, we are called to give thanks not only in the times of abundance but also in the seasons of challenge, loss, and hardship.
As you reflect on the Christmas story this year, let gratitude for God's goodness fill every moment, regardless of the circumstances you face. Whether you are experiencing joy or hardship, remember that God is still faithful, His promises are true, and His love for you is unchanging. Give thanks for all things, knowing that the Savior who was born for you is with you in every season of life.
Gratitude Through Submission to One Another in Christ
The final expression of gratitude that Paul highlights in Ephesians 5:21 is submission to one another "in the fear of Christ." In a season that can often be filled with busyness and stress, gratitude is best demonstrated when we choose humility and service over self-centeredness. True gratitude not only lifts our hearts to God but also moves us to serve and honor others. The Christmas season is a perfect time to live out the humility of Christ, who "did not come to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).
Gratitude in Christ leads to a heart that is willing to serve others, to humble ourselves, and to put the needs of others before our own. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate example of this—God humbling Himself to become a child, entering into our world to serve us, even to the point of giving His life for our salvation.
Application:
This Christmas, look for opportunities to serve others. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, extending grace to someone who has hurt you, or giving generously to those in need, let your gratitude for Christ’s service to you be reflected in your service to others. Remember, the best way to celebrate the birth of our Savior is by living out His example of love and humility.
Beloved church family, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, let us embrace the powerful call to gratitude in all aspects of our lives. Through joyful worship, thanksgiving in all circumstances, and humility in serving one another, we reflect the heart of Christ. Just as the angels sang their praise to God on the night of Jesus' birth, may our hearts be filled with songs of gratitude.
This Christmas, let us not only celebrate the gift of Christ, but let our lives be a living testimony of gratitude, a beacon of light that draws others to the love and joy that we have found in Him. May we be reminded, every day, that in Christ, we have reason to rejoice, reason to give thanks, and reason to serve one another.