'Oh COME let us adore HIM'
Many of us are familiar with the carol, “O come all ye faithful”. The chorus urges us, “ O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord” But what does that really mean?
“To adore”, translated from the Latin, “adorare”, means “to love and respect someone deeply; to worship ; to venerate; to regard with loving admiration and devotion.”
In Luke’s gospel we find the story of angels announcing the birth of the Saviour to a group of shepherds who hurry off to Bethlehem to find Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Many artists have pictured this scene, with the shepherds gazing in wonder at the baby lying in a manger. Our carol invites us to follow their example, to share their joy and excitement as they meet with their Saviour.
For most families the birth of a new baby is a time for celebrating and giving thanks. No doubt this is why the Christmas season resonates with so many people who make the effort to come to church for a Carol Service or to share the joy of a Crib Service with their children. Yet, as we’re told, “Jesus isn’t just for Christmas” – and neither is that invitation to adore him.
Many of the psalms call us to worship God with awe and reverence, to offer him thanks and praise. We can do this together in church, alone in our home or outside enjoying God’s creation. Romans 12:1-2 instructs us to offer our whole lives as an act of worship to God, “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” (The Message Bible) It isn’t just about singing, praying or reading the Bible, we demonstrate our love and devotion to God through the way we live our lives.
During 2025, our Benefice will be focussing on the theme of Worship and on 11th January there is an opportunity to attend an Epiphany Retreat Day on this subject.
In all the busyness of this Festive Season, perhaps we could take a few moments each day to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas; to come in worship and adoration of our Lord and Saviour, the child born in a stable who lived among us, died on a cross and rose to new life, bringing us hope and revealing to us the depth of God’s love.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord”.
Rev Chris Simpson
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