As we approach Christmas, many people come to worship the Messiah like the Pharisees of old. They come outwardly, but do not allow the knowledge that they receive to make any inward change. Their practice may be good, but their hearts do not truly worship. The practice of men, to live by tradition, will not bring us the satisfaction of a relationship with God. Only an approach based on the Word of God will bring us the satisfaction that we long to find. Samuel told King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 after Saul did not obey the Lord, but justified his actions by couching them with his “desire” to offer sacrifice to the Lord, “.” My friends, worship of the Messiah is not based on merit, it is based on grace. God gives us the privilege of coming to Him and recognizing who He is in the midst of all what is going on in our lives. Christmas is not a time to appease God, it is a time to recognize Him for who He is and what He has done. May you choose to listen to the voice of God, as He speaks to you through His Word today.