Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. (Ps. 99:9)
In C. S. Lewis’ book Letters to an American Lady, he writes, “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.”
My husband’s grandmother died a few years ago at the age of ninety-nine, yet her reputation and influence remain. I have heard many describe her as joyful, positive, faithful, and kind. She was humble and never spoke negatively about others. She loved to laugh and tell stories, but one of her most outstanding characteristics was she remembered the details from the lives of the people she knew. I attribute this ability to her always putting the other person ahead of herself. She asked questions, actively listened, and remembered. She loved the Lord, was a good model of living a holy life, and emulated the concept of centering on God and not herself.
The evidence of those who are moving toward holiness is the death of self so that the Lord can be known and seen. People who love and worship God demonstrate these same characteristics in their dealings with others. God is holy. His holiness is beautiful and makes him so completely unique that we should be filled with awe as we celebrate this Christmas. In the gift that is Jesus, God’s holiness was brought to us. Jesus is the Holy One of God and our irresistible Lord.
Draw near to our holy God and worship him.
Nancy Pike is the director of creative arts and congregational care at LifeSpring Church. She recently completed a masters of pastoral ministry at Wesley Seminary.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
