Worship the King

For to us, a child is born, to us a Son is given.

By Debbie D.

When you think of Christmas, do you mostly remember the good times, or does it bring up feelings of letdown, loneliness, heartbreak, and pain?

Christmas commercials, films, and songs depict heartwarming scenes of family and friends celebrating together in beautiful, love-filled settings. Meanwhile, churches emphasize Jesus, the reason for the season and His purpose for coming. And that is beneficial.

But if you’re feeling empty in the midst of the flurry of holiday activity, there is a solution: worship the King.

Families may face challenges such as frailty, abuse, addictions, illness, and conflict, yet God welcomes us into His family through His Son Jesus, who descended from heaven to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life with God the Father. John expresses, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1a) The term lavish signifies “sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious” or to “bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on.”

Because of it, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17) In God's family we have the promise of salvation, eternal life and Christ himself, along with the righteousness that comes by faith and the kingdom of the new heaven and new earth: a future time and place without sin, death, tears or pain.

When the Magi, often referred to as the Wise Men, visited Jesus, they came from distant lands, guided by a remarkable star that signified the birth of a new King. Their journey was not merely a physical trek; it was a profound pilgrimage of faith and reverence. Upon arriving at the humble abode where the child lay, they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each of these offerings rich in symbolism and significance.

Gold represented His kingship, frankincense symbolized His divinity, and myrrh foreshadowed His suffering and death. In that moment, they worshipped the child King, recognizing His divine nature and the monumental role He would play in the history of humanity.

Today, our focus shifts from the infant in the manger to the risen Savior, who triumphed over death and sin. We now worship Him as “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,” as articulated in 1 Timothy 6:13–15. This title encapsulates His supreme authority and unparalleled power, underscoring His position not just as a historical figure but as the eternal ruler of the universe. Jesus, having conquered the grave, stands as the embodiment of hope and redemption for all who believe. This Savior, this King, has indeed changed everything. His resurrection marked a pivotal moment in history, transforming despair into hope and death into life. Through His sacrifice, He opened the door to salvation, offering a relationship with God that was previously unattainable.

The implications of His lordship extend beyond individual lives; they ripple through societies and cultures, challenging injustices and inspiring movements of love, mercy, and compassion. As we reflect on His kingship today, we are reminded that our worship is not confined to the act of bowing before an infant but is a vibrant expression of our faith in a living, breathing Savior who reigns in glory. This relationship invites us to participate in His kingdom work, to be agents of change in a world that desperately needs His light.

Through our worship, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His transformative power into our lives, communities, and the broader world around us.

In essence, the visit of the Magi was just the beginning of a much grander story—one that continues to unfold as we worship and serve the risen King. When we switch the focus from our circumstances and worship Jesus, we are flooded not only with a sense of His peace, but also His holiness, His majesty, His power. Worshiping the King provides a new perspective and hope.

That is the heart of Christmas.