Christmas: A Call to Worship

In the typical nativity scene, someone is down on one knee in a visible posture of worship and reverence. . Around the Christ child, people and animals huddle, each having arrived in their unique way to be part of the story:

• Mary and Joseph traveled about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem over long, dusty roads.

• The shepherds rushed from a dark field looking for what the heavenly angels had proclaimed.

• The wise men, often depicted in the standard nativity set as three noblemen, likely traveled 500–900 miles from Persia in a caravan. While the nativity scene places these Gentile guests at the stable, Scripture reveals they arrived later at a humble house in Bethlehem for their long-awaited moment.

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10–11 NASB)

Worship–mentioned 60 times in the New Testament–first appears in the shadows of the manger. While the nativity scene depicts the first worshipers, many others also later worshiped Jesus and fell down before Him:

• Matthew 8:2: A leper bowed in worship, desperately asking Jesus to make him clean.

• Matthew 9:18: A frantic synagogue official bowed to Jesus in worship, pleading for his daughter's life.

• Matthew 14:33: Terrified disciples worshiped Him on a storm-tossed sea, stunned with awe as the wind and waves obeyed His voice.

• Matthew 28:9: At the empty tomb, women took hold of His feet in worship, overwhelmed with joy at His resurrection.

  
  

What Is Worship?

Worship begins deep in the heart.

It is the soul's response to greatness–an inner stirring that reflects honor and reverence. It often moves the body to low posture such as bowing or kneeling.

Worship requires humility.

To truly worship, pride must fall away. It is a choice to lay aside personal plans, preferences and self-protective walls to honor God as Lord of our lives, actions, and decisions.

Worship costs something.

The journey of the wise men demanded time, resources, and perhaps even their reputation. Their journey, inspired by the stars, ended in finding Jesus in a simple home. And when they did, they fell down in joy, offering Him the treasures they had brought to lay before the King.

Practical Steps to Worship this Christmas

1) Choose to Worship

Write out Psalm 95:6, “Come, let’s worship and bow down; let’s kneel before the LORD our Maker.”  

Sit with this verse.

Let its words soften your heart.

Kneel if you're able--just like those depicted in the nativity scene.

Carry this verse with you today.

Ask God to deepen your understanding of worship. Let worship slip into the ordinary moments throughout the day.

2) Marvel at Creation

Step outside tonight to gaze at the stars.

Notice how they glitter in the darkness–glory scattered across the sky by the One who calls each one by name.

Let worship rise with awe within. Whisper words of praise to God.

Remember Colossians 1:17: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Let this truth inspire your worship.

This Christmas, may we kneel in worship like those who first beheld the Savior. As we contemplate our gift to the King of kings, let us bring our treasures–time, love, generosity, and surrender–at His feet.

How will you worship Jesus this Christmas? We invite you to share your thoughts with other readers.