The most appropriate first
response to Jesus … is worship. Jesus came into the world as a ‘king’ – a
different sort of a king … but a king nonetheless. We will increasingly learn
more about Jesus, and begin to follow him more closely (in life), but our first
port-of-call is to worship him.
The first recorded people to
worship Jesus were the shepherds. We read in Luke 2:20,
The shepherds returned [to
their fields], glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as
it had been told them.
They didn’t worship the baby
Jesus so much in person, although they may have done just that. It was the
whole scene, tied in with the significant news they had been given, that
thoroughly impressed them, and led them into a chorus of worship. Much more
important than the baby, was the person Jesus was going to grow up to be, and
what he would do with his life.
The worship of the shepherds
was entirely a witness to what God was doing in the world. And it was a mobile
worship, it travelled wherever they travelled! The “Messiah”, the “Saviour of
the world”, the One who would be our “Lord” had come (2:11). Peace was coming
(2:14). And the biggest news of all, was that this had been specially revealed
to humble, insignificant, poor shepherds. If this news came particularly to
them, then this news was for everyone! This was certainly an occasion for much
worship and celebration.
We read of another group who
worshipped Jesus. These were the ‘Magi’ – gentile astrologers – interested in a
star guiding them toward the birthplace of a significant historical figure –
the “king of the Jews’. After a long journey, and a developing understanding of
who this child was – they worshipped. They not only knelt in respect, but they
also “opened their treasure chests” (Matthew 2:11). Here were presents … not to
be confused with socks, jocks and hankies (as important as these can be).
These were gifts that wholly
engaged with who Jesus was, and the ministry he would perform. Gold – a gift
acknowledging royalty, frankincense – speaking of a priestly role in offering a
sacrifice for sin, myrrh – used in preparation for a burial. This life of Jesus
will be one of wise kingly leadership, deep spiritual service, and the ultimate
sacrifice. And there was one more act of worship – rather than saying anything
to the treacherous Herod, they acknowledged real ‘kingship’ by heading home by
another road (2:12). These men were wise because they took the path of God’s
will.
Will we worship Jesus this Christmas, and do the same each
day that follows?? Worshipping Jesus involves:
- accepting who Jesus is, and what that means for who we are – we are broken and Jesus is our Saviour
- responding to Jesus as our ‘King’ and as our Lord – responding to his glory and majesty; not because he lords it over us, but because he comes to us as a suffering servant … redeeming us for God
- bringing the gift of ourselves, and all that we own, and all that we have to give – the best of what lies in our ‘treasure chests’ … all that will point to Jesus as being the most significant person in life
- proclaiming loud and clear to all and sundry that Jesus is the one that covers our needs and meets our dreams
- advancing the Kingdom of God … by living lives of integrity committed to those teachings and attitudes to life that Jesus brought.
So in the midst of any other
celebrations, including feasting, the giving and receiving of presents, wishing
all those around us a happy Christmas – let’s remember to worship Jesus
himself. Not so much the baby of the nativity, but the person the baby grew up
to be – Jesus Christ of Nazareth – Saviour of the World!
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