Psalm 96:7-13

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.” vss. 8-9

We’ve had a busy Advent, and we’re finally getting toward the end, just a couple more days to go. If we’ve used an Advent wreath with our home meditations, that first candle, the one we lit on November 28, is little more than a stub. These have been good weeks and we’ve not only had time to meditate and repent, we’ve also more than the usual number of opportunities for corporate worship. What a blessing it is to come together and glorify the name of the Lord! We’ve sung the hymns of praise and feasted at the Table. It’s that act of simple humility, bowing down before our awesome God, the Lord of the Universe, that really defines who we are as a community of faith. So many folks in our world don’t have that inclination…they worship other gods, material ones, and recognize no higher power than themselves. But the faithful follow the example of Jesus and all the saints of old, who never missed a chance to tremble before the Lord. They’ll be filling the churches in just a couple of days…even those who haven’t worshipped since Easter will be there. And they’ll be bringing an offering too, just like the ancient Israelites, giving generously in gratitude for all that God has done. And they will be blessed…God’s face will shine on them and they will have peace.

Thought for the Day: Why is the offering the central part of worship?