And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11 ESV).
Finally! We’ve come to the part of the nativity account where someone is giving back to God. But isn’t that the way? God is the One always giving. And, really, when we do give to Him, aren’t we only giving back to Him what came from Him? Thankfully, after all the countless gifts He has given, He provides opportunity for us to give to Him. And what better gift than that of worship?!
So, while you’re giving gifts away this Christmas, be sure to give God a gift of worship—in grateful response to the Greatest Gift already received.
“In view of God’s mercy,” Paul urges in Romans 12:1, we are to offer our “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Living and serving in purity for the sake of Christ is an act of worship. This gift also requires mind, soul, and strength along with our bodies.
Worship is both a noun and a verb, a state and an action. Unfortunately, the act of worship isn’t always God-directed. Humans tend to give attention and devotion to other things ahead of God. If we’re going to give our hearts away, let’s give them to God!
Worship is properly defined as an “expression of reverence.” I like Bob Kauflin’s definition: “Christian worship is the response of God’s redeemed people to his self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ in our minds, affections, and wills, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Worship is not bound by time or place. We can worship, in spirit and truth, wherever we are (John 4:24). It also extends beyond singing and praise (although, the more the better!). Using our God-given spiritual gifts to serve the Body and our families can be offerings of worship. Another act of worship is giving. To freely, joyfully, sacrificially give from a pure heart beautifully honors God.
God directed His created star to signal those watching that His promised King had come. When the Magi of the East set their eyes on such a marvelous site, their hearts burned with the desire to worship the newborn King—at great cost. They traversed the rugged, hostile terrain a great distance—carrying untold treasures. (Yet we find it hard to drive across town on Sunday to attend a worship service in ease.) Daily they offered to God their devotion as they journeyed nearer His Son . . . to worship. It was an extravagant gift of worship.
With treasures from the heart, let’s give to God’s glorious King golden, aromatic gifts of worship for all He’s given us.
Generous Giver of every gift, on bended knee, with head bowed low, I come—praising my King, God’s own Son. I offer my worship, my devotion, my life, my all, to the only God—Father, Son, and Spirit. May all the kings of the earth fall down before Jesus and render unto Him tribute (Psalm 72).
Comments