Dear beloved church family, as we embrace the Christmas season, our hearts naturally overflow with joy and gratitude for the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. The birth of our Savior, announced with heavenly glory, brings not just a season of celebration but a call for us to reflect on the blessings we have received. In the midst of shopping, feasting, and gatherings, we are invited to pause and truly appreciate what God has done for us.
Isaiah 12:3-5 offers a beautiful picture of gratitude and worship, showing us how our hearts can be filled with joy and thankfulness as we remember the goodness of God. Isaiah writes:
"Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted. Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; let this be known throughout the earth.'" (Isaiah 12:3-5, NASB)
In these verses, we see three profound ways that gratitude can illuminate our lives and reflect the joy of the Christmas season: drawing from the well of salvation, proclaiming God's deeds, and praising Him with joyful song.
Drawing Water from the Springs of Salvation
Isaiah begins by saying, “You will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” Water is a powerful symbol in Scripture—representing refreshment, life, and spiritual nourishment. Just as water satisfies our physical thirst, salvation through Jesus Christ quenches the deepest thirst of our souls. This act of drawing from the springs of salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice in the life of a believer.
During the Christmas season, we remember that Jesus is the source of living water. In John 4:14, He tells us, “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” Our gratitude for Christ is most clearly expressed when we continually drink from this well. As we reflect on His birth, let us draw near to Him, remembering the salvation He freely offers.
Application:
This Christmas, take time to reflect on the well of salvation available to you through Jesus. Each day, draw near to Him in prayer and worship, allowing the gift of salvation to refresh and renew your spirit. When we acknowledge the depths of this gift, our hearts will be naturally filled with gratitude.
Proclaiming God's Deeds to the World
Isaiah continues, “Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Gratitude compels us not only to be thankful but to share that thanksgiving with others. The Christmas story is the ultimate testimony of God's goodness. The birth of Jesus Christ—God coming to earth as a child—was the fulfillment of His promises to His people, and it is an event that changed the course of history.
We are called to share this good news with the world. Gratitude, when it truly takes root in our hearts, drives us to proclaim God's deeds of mercy and grace. As the angels did in the fields outside Bethlehem, we too are called to announce the greatness of our God.
Application:
This Christmas, make it a point to share the joy of Christ's birth with those around you. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, sharing the Christmas story, or encouraging others to reflect on God’s goodness, let your gratitude spill over into conversations and actions that draw others to Him.
Praising God with Joyful Song
Isaiah concludes by saying, “Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; let this be known throughout the earth.” Gratitude is a response that comes from the heart and expresses itself in worship. Throughout the Bible, we see that song is a powerful expression of gratitude. In Psalm 100:4, we are told to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” When our hearts are filled with gratitude, we cannot help but worship God with all our being.
This Christmas, take time to lift your voice in praise. Whether in church, with family, or in your private moments of reflection, sing to the Lord. The songs of Christmas remind us of God’s love and the precious gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. When we sing, we join with the angels and the heavenly hosts who proclaimed the birth of Christ in joyful song.
Application:
Make singing a part of your daily life this Christmas season. Whether it's Christmas carols, hymns of praise, or spontaneous songs of joy, let your heart overflow with gratitude. Sing not only in the sanctuary but in your home, in your car, and wherever you go. Let your praise be a light to those around you, shining the joy of Christ into the world.
Beloved church family, as we journey through this Christmas season, let us embrace the call to gratitude that Isaiah so beautifully sets before us. By drawing from the well of salvation, proclaiming God’s deeds to the world, and praising Him with joyful songs, we can illuminate the season with the light of Christ. Let our hearts overflow with thanksgiving for the incredible gift of Jesus, and may our gratitude inspire others to come and worship Him as well.
This Christmas, may we be reminded that true gratitude transforms our hearts and lives. It opens our eyes to the wonders of salvation and calls us to share His goodness with the world. Let our lives be a song of thanksgiving, lifting up the name of Jesus for all to hear.