Unlimited Praise At Christmas. We all know that Christmas is the most celebrated season in the world, so much so that even people who don’t understand the reason for the season also celebrate it. But for many people, this season is often a time of sadness as they look back at the disappointments of the year, this is the season also that some people feel lonely. No matter your condition, there is a reason to celebrate because Christ in us is the hope of God’s glory.
We should not let the increased challenges in the nation and the world stop us from giving praise this Christmas. This is our season of praise in Daystar, so this season must enhance our gratitude to God because of Christ who is the reason for this season.
To experience unlimited praise this Christmas we need to:
- Recognize and focus on Jesus Christ who is the reason for Christmas (Luke 2:13-14NLT): We should always be conscious that the reason the Angels were celebrating was because Christ had been born. Many people are still not experiencing their desired expectations because they choose to focus on other things. When you take your eyes away from the main thing, you loose hold of the things that you are supposed to command, whatever commands your attention, commands your results. When you focus on the problem, you cannot see the promise.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (Psalm 34:5 NLT)
- Remember that the things that we read about Jesus are not just stories that make us feel good, they are promises that we can lay hold on and act on. When it comes to negative news, it never ends. You cannot sit on bad news and expect to bring out good news. This season, give yourself gifts, treat yourself. This season, we have the greatest gift anyone can have and that is the gift of Christ. (Romans 8:31-32 MSG) If God could release Jesus to come to the world, what else could you want for that He couldn’t give you.
- Rest on Christ’s finished work on the cross: The fear of many thing is the reason why people arent joyful and celebrating. Especially in December, there is a fear of the new year. As children of God we need to be fearless and remain peaceful because Christ is our Prince of Peace. (John 16:33 NLT)
- Receive His gift of salvation: (Luke 2:11 NLT) Christ came to deliver us from the hold of sin. There is a kind of supernatural joy that makes us praise God and experience Him in an unusual way when we experience salvation. Salvation goes beyond when you confess your sins and ask Jesus to come into your life, it applies to every area of your life.
- Release your praise by sharing the good news to others: (Luke 2:17-20 NLT) sharing your testimony of the gift of Christ is a way of releasing your praise and drawing attention to the marvelous work of God.
Remember even if you don’t have anything to give this Christmas, you have the gift of good news, so share it.
An excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Boye Oloyede on Sunday, December 24, 2023
Watch this sermon here.