As we approach the Christmas season, many of us look forward to cozy moments – sitting down to a festive meal, watching our favorite holiday movies, or playing cherished games with loved ones. Yet, when we turn to the biblical account of Christ’s birth, we find a story filled not with stillness, but with action.
The nativity scene we often picture – serene and stationary – is a far cry from the bustling activity described in scripture. This contrast invites us to consider: How can we worship our King not just through quiet contemplation, but through dynamic, purposeful action?
Let’s explore four ways we can actively worship, drawing inspiration from the Christmas story in Matthew 2:
- Worship Through Active Curiosity
The Magi, or wise men, demonstrate this beautifully with their question, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews?” While we may think we know the answer, this query remains profoundly relevant for us today. We can transfer it to our own lives and communities:
- Where is Jesus at work today?
- Where has He gone ahead of us in His mission?
- What is our part meant to be?
- What can we learn about Him today?
By maintaining a childlike curiosity – constantly asking why, what, who, how, where, and when – we protect ourselves from two spiritual pitfalls:
Stubbornness: Unlike those who become set in their ways or opinions, we must remain open to new understandings and divine challenges. Think of the Pharisees who couldn’t accept Jesus’ teachings, or even Peter who initially struggled to share the Gospel with non-Jews. We must guard against getting stuck in our perspectives.
Sinfulness: King Rehoboam’s downfall was attributed to him ceasing to seek the Lord. We should never assume we’ve got it all figured out. The Bible is filled with probing questions for us to ponder:
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” (Psalm 119:9)
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” (Matthew 18:21)
“Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
As we enter a new year, let’s commit to actively seeking Jesus, allowing our curiosity to deepen our faith.
- Worship Through Active Solidarity
The tragic account of Herod’s massacre of the innocents isn’t just there to shock us – it’s there to mobilize us. While we may never face such extreme persecution, this story calls us to stand with our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith around the world.
The haunting carol verse, “Herod the king, in his raging, charged he hath this day; his men of might, in his own sight, all young children to slay,” reminds us of the very real cost some pay for following Christ. We’re told that “Rachel wept for her children” – a powerful image of mourning that should stir our hearts to compassion.
Just as Jesus wept for his friends and weeps for his suffering church today, we can join Him in standing in solidarity with those who face hardship for their beliefs. Through prayer, support, and advocacy, we can be one church, united across boundaries.
- Worship Through Active Self-Inquiry
Herod’s jealousy and insecurity led to horrific actions. His need to be the biggest, cleverest, and most powerful blinded him to the true King. Unfortunately, we can sometimes harbor “little Herods” within our own hearts.
Jealousy often stems from insecurity, and it can manifest in unhealthy ways – even within the church. We must actively examine our motivations:
- Are we secure in our relationship with the Lord?
- Can we rejoice in others’ successes without feeling threatened?
- What truly drives our actions and ambitions?
By looking honestly into our hearts, we can root out destructive attitudes before they take hold. Our worship becomes more pure when it flows from a place of security in God’s love, rather than a need to prove our worth.
- Worship Through Active Generosity
The Magi’s gifts to the Christ child exemplify thoughtful, sacrificial giving. Their actions challenge us to consider how we use our own resources to honor the King:
Careful Consideration: The gold, frankincense, and myrrh weren’t random choices. The wise men put great thought into selecting gifts fit for royalty. Do we approach our giving with similar intentionality?
Courageous Travel: A 500-mile journey on camelback was no small feat. The Magi’s commitment to worship involved significant sacrifice. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones in our generosity?
Creating a Legacy: The story of the Magi’s gifts has inspired believers for centuries. How might our own stewardship and devotion impact future generations?
Proverbs 3:9 encourages us to “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” This principle invites us to give our best, not just our leftovers, as an act of worship.
Moving from Comfort to Action
The Christmas story challenges us to move beyond passive observance to active engagement with our faith. While we can’t worship the newborn King exactly as the Magi did, we can embody their spirit of curiosity, solidarity, self-reflection, and generosity.
As we celebrate this season, let’s ask ourselves:
- How can I cultivate a more inquisitive faith?
- Where am I called to stand with those who suffer?
- What areas of my heart need examination and transformation?
- How can I steward my resources more intentionally for God’s kingdom?
The beloved carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” poses a poignant question: “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give Him – give my heart.”
This Christmas, may we respond to God’s immeasurable love – demonstrated in the gift of His Son – with the active offering of our whole selves. Let our worship be marked not by comfortable inaction, but by dynamic faith that moves us to curiosity, compassion, introspection, and generosity.
In doing so, we truly honour the King whose birth we celebrate.
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