O Come Let Us Adore Him

Adore - "to worship," comes a root word that mean "to open the mouth!" Those who know me well, hear me speak often (perhaps too often?) of my family. My wife and adult children are a central part of my life; one of the primary ways that I define who I am in this world. Because of my deep affection, I cannot help but take interest in what they do. I tell Bev that I love her everyday- because I do! I don't have to leave a note to myself - "Be sure to adore your wife!" My words flow out of my heart- easily, often, and sincerely. Does my love for her need to be protected and nurtured? Absolutely! Life distractions, other temptations, and Satanic deceptions have destroyed many good marriages. Knowing that, it is the prayer of my heart and intent of my thoughts to keep our love fresh and strong. Some say that a life-long monogamous relationship is not possible. They are wrong! Love changes over time, but as it matures it can and will grow stronger.

I adore Jesus, too. In many ways, my love for the Lord is similar to familial love - strong, enduring, life-defining, and in need of daily nurture! I speak often of Him. I worship Him with words and actions, and I feel the pressure of temptation that, given opportunity, would dilute my passion for God! I pray that adoration for Him will only deepen with time.Can we honestly profess to adore Christ Jesus IF we never speak ofHim or seldom speak to Him? I think not. We may be fond of Jesus without speaking of Him. We may trust Him as Savior without speaking of Him, but we cannot claim to adore Him and remain silent about Him. IF we adore Him, we will speak of Him. "Your love, God, is my song, and I'll sing it! I'm forever telling everyone how faithful you are. I'll never quit telling the story of your love-how you built the cosmos and guaranteed everything in it. Your love has always been our lives' foundation, your fidelity has been the roof over our world." -- Psalm 89 The Message

Some who once loved Him have allowed other loves to crowd in. They now love their reputation, or their job, or their money, or their house, or... yes, there are many temptations that would take us from our love for Him. In the book of the Revelation, Jesus laments the state of the church in Ephesus. They broke His heart by allowing their fervent passion to cool. They were dutifully religious, but without adoration! He says to them, "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." (Revelation 2:3-5, NIV)

This Advent Season when you hear that carol, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," played, I hope it will stir you to a renewed adoration! Open your mouth and give Him praise. Sing and speak of His goodness. A word of caution is in order here. IF you don't adore Him, then don't try to convince yourself or someone else that you do with empty words or borrowed words! Your insincerity will quickly become apparent to others, if not to yourself! YOU can adore Him. If your love of Christ has gone cold, there is but one reason: increase of sin and disobedience.

Of this I am completely convinced: Love is first and foremost a choice; secondarily an emotion. Jesus warned that "Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12) If that's describing you, turn back to God. Find a place alone with Him and tell Him you've fallen for another lover, then renew your commitment to Him. Go to those you've wronged and ask them for forgiveness. Then, accept the wonderful love of the Savior whose "unfailing love never ends! By his mercies we have beenkept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." (Lamentations3:22-23)
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O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.

O come let us adore Him,O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,
O sing all ye bright hosts of heav'n above.
Glory to God,All glory in the highest.

O come let us adore Him,O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv'n.
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!

John Wade © Public Domain