Give Glory to God

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:20; Luke 2:1-20

“I don’t want to go.” Susan was sulking because her mom wanted to spend the day at a nearby Native American pueblo.

“I promised Miriam we’d be there,” Mom said. “Christmas is special to her, and she wants to share her traditions with us. Now, get ready so we can go.”

At the pueblo, Susan and her mom were greeted by their friend Miriam on horseback. They followed her to the plaza, where they saw a group of men dressed in leather aprons and buffalo skin headdresses. Several girls wearing beaded dresses and white moccasins came out of a low-roofed house and joined them. Together, they circled the plaza, keeping time to native drums.

Miriam explained what was happening. “Every year, we perform a different dance. This year, we’re doing the Buffalo Dance, which reminds us of how important the buffalo were to our survival. Their meat supplied food; their skins gave us shelter and clothing; the horns and teeth were used to make tools and weapons. Because the buffalo were so deeply respected, my ancestors offered this dance as thanksgiving to the Great Spirit, who created all things.

“When Spanish explorers came into our world, they taught us about Jesus and how, on the night He was born, an angel appeared to shepherds with news of a Savior for all people. Suddenly hundreds of angels appeared, joyfully praising God and singing, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’

“The Spaniards didn’t understand my ancestors’ ways and tried to get them to give up dancing the way they did. But instead of abandoning their traditions, the people used them to worship God, who they now knew had sent His Son to save them from sin. To this day, we perform this dance to remember how God used the buffalo to provide for us and to thank Him for sending Jesus Christ to us as our Savior.”

Susan couldn’t take her eyes off the dancers; she followed their every movement. When they turned, she turned. When they dipped, she dipped. Her body swayed with theirs, and her foot kept time with the drums. As she watched the dancers, she was reminded of the angels in Miriam’s story. And, with them, Susan worshiped and glorified God.

-Margaret Nava

How About You?

Have you ever met someone who worshiped Jesus in a different way than you’re used to? Some cultures have unusual ways of giving praise and glory to God. Their traditions might seem strange to us, but Jesus tells us in the Bible, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Even though we may do it in different ways, we can glorify Jesus together.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Glorify God