Visitors from the East

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Christmas? Is it the presents, the Christmas tree, or skating? Personally, the first thing I think of is sitting in front of the cozy fire with my family, opening presents. I love all of that, yet every year I have to remind myself that Christmas isn't really about the temporary things—it's about worshiping Jesus. The center of Christmas should be worshiping and celebrating Jesus, not things of this world. The wise men from Matthew 2 show us what the true spirit of Christmas is.

The Journey

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)

Instead of the bright flicker of the fire, cinnamon-scented candles, and the presents lying beneath the sweet-smelling needles of the Christmas tree, imagine a warm, dusty night in the Middle East with exhausted men and their animals. It's dark, and wise men (we don't know how many wise men there were—it could have been two or it could have been twelve, for all we know), along with their entourage, are traveling across the hot desert sand, watching the bright star ahead of them.

We don't know exactly where these men were from, but most likely they had traveled for two to four months from Persia or Babylonia. People in that time couldn't just pack up and leave for a long journey, so these men probably were very well off. Also, they had enough to give little Jesus expensive gifts like gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If they were rich scholars, traveling along with them were probably their many servants and animals.

Finally, the capital comes into view and they make their way to the palace. They inquire where to find the young king. Herod's eyes flash with fear and anger, then back to the controlled king he appears to be.

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2 ESV)

Worship

The star rose again, leading them to a house—the house where the Messiah lived with his parents. They quickly entered the house, and immediately they fell down and worshiped Him. "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)

Interestingly, their gifts have meaning and foreshadow Jesus' life: Gold—for His kingship. Frankincense—for His deity and priestly role. Myrrh—foreshadowing His suffering and death on the cross.

Our first response should be worship as well. They didn't just observe; they worshiped with everything they had. And they rejoiced with 'exceedingly great joy.' Worship and joy come hand in hand. If you can worship Jesus this Christmas, the joy will come too.

Our Focus

Unlike the wise men, we don't need a star to lead us to Jesus. That's what the Bible is for. The Bible is our star, leading us to worship the one and only King. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, this Christmas can become one of worship.

The common problem of the Christmas season is the distraction of the lights, gifts, and parties. This world can lead us away from the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. With all these lights, gifts, and parties, our focus loses its point and we forget to truly seek and worship Jesus.

I admit, this December has been a rush. Each day I have to bow my heart afresh to the King. As the 25th gets closer and closer, I have to constantly remind myself that Christmas is not about me, but about the one and only Messiah.

But what if this Christmas could be something bigger? What if we could follow the example of the wise men and bring worship (and Jesus) back into the Christmas season? Seek Him in prayer and give Bible reading a bigger spot this week. Worship Jesus with your time and talents. Give your life—your whole life—to Jesus, because He's the only thing that really matters.

Let's make this Christmas different. Seek. Worship. Give. Repeat.

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