Once the tree is set up, each of the children (now grown) will take their turns hanging up their special tree ornaments from their personal collection.
No, our trees would never have won a coveted show-piece award; rather they may more likely win for closest looking like a 'Charlie Brown Christmas Tree'. The tree is unique- one of a kind, and it's decorations reflect those who decorate it...
Today I was reading in Psalm 149 during my quiet time.
It is a hymn of praise. The Psalmist invites those who know of God's salvation to rejoice- in song, instrumentation and dancing!
Well, today may be one of those days that you'd feel fortunate just to get out of bed for awhile- let alone play an instrument and dance! (Ouch- just thinking about that may make you cringe!)
I think that is why I especially enjoyed verse 5, "Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds." Yep, upon their beds!
And what, pray tell, can we sing about even while laying in bed...If we have nothing else- we have Him- and that dear brothers and sisters, is something to bring joy to our hearts and praise to our lips.
Perhaps you are more about 'making a joyful noise' than singing- that's fine. Maybe you are too weak to belt out a 'new song' even while resting in bed so long- that's ok; our LORD can hear the song of joy in your heart- praising Him and thanking Him for who He is- your Helper, Redeemer, Healer, Sustainer, Strength, Peace....
Back at verse 4, we read, "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." So, maybe we won't be called up to American Idol to sing, but the very LORD of Eternity takes pleasure in you, and your new song today. And, in the process- He beautifies us!
Spurgeon comments that these adornments, ornaments, are such as: peace, content, joy, holiness, and respect/influence. As He makes His people meek- so He makes the meek beautiful.
The most beautiful, according to the text- is that the beauty is most marked by salvation, deliverance...with victory.
As you go through your day today- may you be encouraged that as one who has believed in Him unto salvation- to Him you are beautiful. You now reflect who He is by the ornaments He has given to you- Ones that can shine through even the Lymie-ist of days!
Whether spending the day in bed, or getting up- remember you have been clothed in His righteousness today- and in your response of giving thanks and praise to Him from your meek estate, He sees you as beautiful...valuable...shining with His glory.
Praise and glory are His~ may His beauty mark your day-
Blessings-
149 [a]Praise [b]the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
5 Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their [c]mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
8 To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
[d]Praise [e]the Lord!
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their [c]mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
8 To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
[d]Praise [e]the Lord!
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