How can we cultivate a sense of wonder in our faith community? An Invitation to Awe Luke 2:18 tells us, “and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” The same God who filled Bethlehem with wonder still speaks today. Let’s explore how a community can safeguard that sense of amazement. Seeing Wonder in the Text • The shepherds report what the angelic host announced (vv. 8-17). Ordinary people receive an extraordinary message—no embellishment needed. • “All who heard” emphasizes corporate response; amazement is contagious when truth is shared openly. • The verb “were amazed” marks a spontaneous, wholehearted reaction—not orchestrated, but birthed by the Spirit’s revelation. Why Wonder Matters • Wonder fuels worship (Psalm 8:3-4). • Wonder humbles intellect and sparks child-like faith (Mark 10:15). • Wonder keeps the gospel fresh—an antidote to spiritual complacency (Habakkuk 1:5). Practices That Reawaken Awe 1. Retell the old, old story – Read Luke 1–2 aloud during gatherings; encourage different voices to dramatize the narrative. – Testimony nights where members share recent “shepherd moments”—times God interrupted the ordinary. 2. Engage the whole person in worship – Include visual art, Scripture-inspired music, creation photography (Psalm 19:1). – Celebrate the ordinances with careful, reverent explanation so participants grasp the mystery (1 Corinthians 11:26). 3. Reconnect with God’s creation – Plan outdoor devotions; ponder Romans 1:20 as you watch a sunrise. – Keep a communal “awe journal,” recording sightings of God’s handiwork throughout the week. 4. Cultivate child-like curiosity – Pair children with adults for Scripture memorization; let the kids’ questions ignite fresh insights. – Host intergenerational Q&A panels where no query is dismissed as trivial. 5. Teach sound doctrine that magnifies God’s greatness – Study passages such as Romans 11:33-36 and Exodus 15:11. – Highlight God’s attributes—holiness, immensity, faithfulness—so the heart cannot stay unmoved. Guardrails Against Familiarity • Beware rote routines; vary the order of service occasionally to prevent “autopilot.” • Resist cynicism; remind one another that skepticism dulls spiritual sight. • Address sin promptly; hidden rebellion stifles wonder (Psalm 32:3-4). Encouraging One Another Daily • Share brief “awe alerts” via group messages—an answered prayer, a verse that leapt off the page. • Pray Scripture over each other: “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18). • Celebrate every conversion, baptism, and restored relationship as a community victory worth marveling over. Living in Continuous Amazement The people of Bethlehem did not manufacture astonishment; they simply responded to God’s revealed glory. As we retell His deeds, engage the senses, pursue purity, and stir one another up, the same Spirit will keep our fellowship alive with holy wonder—until the day we join the heavenly host in unending praise. |
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