Waiting for Consolation

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

- Luke 2:22-40

Mary's Song and David's Psalm of Jesus the Christ

Mary’s Song and David’s Psalm:

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he had been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One had done great things for me – holy is his name.

The Lord as made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.  

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their in most thoughts.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst in jubilant song with music; make music with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn. Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but had lifted up the humble.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He will judge the world in righteousness and the people with equity.”

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

- Luke 1:46-55 and Psalm 96:1-10

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During this Christmas season – and always – may we remember the eternal faithfulness of our God, the source of mercy and salvation through his Son, Jesus the Messiah! May we have a heart after God. May we follow the promptings of his Holy Spirit and praise his name for the privilege to serve our Almighty God!

(Click here to read the Prophecy Series about Jesus the Messiah.)

Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments

Praise to GOD with Musical Instruments
 
The Bible has many passages about praising him with a variety of instruments. For example, the tambourine which is also know the timbrel – the Hebrew word is “HaTof” or “Tof” which means a framed drum; in ancient times it was hand-held. Psalm 150:4 encourages us to “praise him [GOD] with timbrel and dancing…” The passage continues with, “praise him with strings and pipe…” It is clear that the Psalmist includes a stringed instrument. In modern times, these two instruments include the drum and the guitar. However we praise GOD, may it be from the heart – with sincerity of soul. Some may “praise him with the clash of cymbals” (v.5a) and “let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” (v. 6).
Additional scripture about the use of musical instruments include (but this list if non-exhaustive):
 
“Make music to the LORD, all the earth, burst jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing …” Psalm 98:4-5
 
            “Praise the LORD with harp; sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.” Psalm 33:2 (KJV)
 
            “Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.’” Exodus 15:20-21a
 
            As we (his church) praise the Almighty LORD GOD, it is important to remember, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD.” Psalm 100:1 (KJV)

Praising GOD for His Laws

The Psalmist praised GOD for his laws (particularly in chapter 119).

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. (v. 7)

Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 12)

At midnight I rise to give thanks for your righteous laws. (v. 62)

Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. (v. 108)

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. (v. 164)

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. (v. 171)

Let me live that I may praise you, and may your law sustain me. (v. 175)

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... this is love for GOD: to keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for everyone born of GOD overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our own faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of GOD.

- 1 John 5:3-5