The coming holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas reminds us of both the goodness and grace of God. Turkeys and trees, family and festivities, gatherings and gifts are all peripheral to the praise of the Lord. There are only 45 days left in this year. No doubt, they will be busy days filled with the rush of holiday happenings. But they should be filled with something else: praise.

Judah and Jesus

The first mention of praise in Scripture is in the context of family and specifically connected to the family of Christ. When Jacob’s wife Leah gave birth to her fourth son, she said, “Now will I praise the Lord: therefore she called his name Judah” (Genesis 29:35). Judah’s name means praise! That son would become the father of the tribe through which the Messiah would come (Genesis 49:10; Hebrews 7:14). Jesus is the reason for our praise, and all praise leads us to Him.

What began with the patriarchs of Genesis continues around the throne in Revelation. Praise forever surrounds the One who is worthy. “…behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed…” (Revelation 5:5). 

Praise is the universal language of those who know God. It is the tone of the Old Testament believers, the spirit of the New Testament Christians, and the song of the saints in eternity. The Lord’s people have always been identified as people of praise. 

We will praise Christ forever in Heaven, but we are to fill the earth now with His praise. Thanksgiving is not a word, a single day, or an event. For a Christian, it is a way of life.

Thanks-living

The greatest praise is more than words – it is demonstrated in a life of thankfulness. One of the definite evidences that a person is a Spirit-filled believer is their giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:18-20). E.M. Bounds wrote, “A consecrated life is both a prayer life and a thanksgiving life.” When we walk with God, we do more than simply ask Him for more; we adore Him for who He is. Even prayer can be selfishly motivated, but praise is always concerned with the glory of God. He is worthy.

Our final two ETJ series of 2025 will walk us through both Old and New Testament passages to help us make this a season of praise:

• The Hallelujah Chorus – Today, we begin to journey through the closing Psalms, the Hallelujah Psalms. Psalm 146 through Psalm 150 each begin with a powerful call to “Praise ye the Lord!” Join us as we study the crescendo of praise and set aside time each day to give thanks.
• Christmas Blessings – While we are thankful for the many material and familial blessings that we enjoy, the greatest blessing of all is spiritual. The greatest blessing is Jesus! From December 18 to the end of the year, we will concentrate our daily studies on the Lord Jesus. I cannot think of a better subject on which to end the year.

In this season of praise, our entire ETJ team is thankful for you. We are truly grateful for your prayers, support, and faithfulness in listening each day. May God make the final days of this year a season of praise in your heart and home.

LISTEN: The Hallelujah Chorus

About Scott Pauley