My sister (Kris) called one day towards the end of November asking what I wanted for Christmas. She and her husband were shopping in Birmingham at the time. We do this every year. She asks me, and I, in turn, ask her the same question. I thought for a moment and blurted, "Bath and Body Works." That was the end of that discussion and I didn't think about it again.
Christmas Eve night came around and we were all at their house, wrapping paper flying through the air and my 3-year-old nephew "helping" us all unwrap our gifts. It was finally my turn so Logan asked, "I help you, Aunt Kimmie?!?". Yes, Logan, you may. After pinching the paper into a zillion little pieces to get it off, I saw what it was - yep, you guessed it...the new Bath and Body Works set. The whole set- lotion, spray, shower get. Loved it!
Funny thing about that stuff, though. When you put it on, it fills the room. You can't possibly try putting the lotion on around people without getting some type of response. What's that I smell? or What smells so good? It's inevitable. It demands a response and it changes the atmosphere.
We've been studying the book of John in Sunday school and we just finished Chapter 12 this past Sunday. Part of that chapter is about Mary, the one who brings an expensive alabaster box of nard to anoint Jesus. You see, it was normal in that culture to anoint someone for burial. Although she didn't know that that is what she was doing, we can look back with perfect hindsight and see that's exactly what had occurred. As she began to pour out the nard, the smell filled the air. It literally changed the atmsophere of the room. Judas Iscariot's response is a perfect example. He was offended, annoyed, and irritated with the whole "show".
When true worship occurs, as in this perfect case, it will change the atmosphere. Nothing gets the attention of heaven and hell quicker than a child of God pouring out her heart to Him. The very one who put things into motion in the universe stops, yes, stops, to hear a child of His worship him! Hell quivers and shakes at the very sight!
Worship does one of two things - inspires others or offends them. Lord, may we all inspire others to enter in to His presence. May our very presence change the atmosphere because we've spent time with Jesus!
I've included one of my favorite songs - one that I can't help but think of when reflecting on the topic of worship. It's by CeCe Winans....
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