The journey Of Worship (Part 3)
Sermon Notes
Christmas often invites us to recognize Jesus—but not always to respond to Him.
The story of the Wise Men challenges us to move beyond familiarity and into true worship.
The Wise Men weren’t wise because they had knowledge.
They were wise because they acted on what they knew.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
— Luke 2:11
This Christmas, we asked an important question:
Why Were the Wise Men So Wise?
Their wisdom wasn’t found in their status, education, or influence.
It was found in how they responded to Jesus.
What Made the Wise Men Wise?
1. They Pursued the Promise
The Wise Men followed a star—not because it was convenient, but because it was true.
Their journey was long, uncertain, and costly, yet they trusted God’s promise enough to move.
Faith always requires movement.
You cannot pursue God’s promises while standing still.
Life Application:
What promise of God are you aware of—but not yet pursuing?
Where might God be asking you to step out in trust this season?
2. They Gave Sacrificially
When the Wise Men finally reached Jesus, they didn’t come empty-handed.
They opened their treasures and gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
True worship always costs something.
If it costs nothing, it isn’t sacrifice.
Life Application:
Is your worship convenient—or costly?
What might sacrificial generosity look like in your time, finances, or attention this Christmas?
3. They Responded With Worship
The Wise Men didn’t admire Jesus from a distance.
They fell down and worshiped Him.
Worship is not simply a song—it’s a posture of the heart.
Why This Matters for Us
As a church, we are invited to go beyond simply acknowledging the birth of Jesus.
The call of Christmas is not celebration alone—it’s transformation.
This season, God invites us to:
Pursue the promise
Give sacrificially
Respond with worship
Why Did the Wise Men Worship?
They Recognized the Creator in the Midst of Creation
Scripture reminds us that wisdom is not about intelligence—it’s about direction.
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools…”
— Romans 1:22–23
Our world is full of people worshiping created things:
Success.
Wealth.
Relationships.
Comfort.
Influence.
The Bible is clear: when we give ultimate worth to created things instead of the Creator, it leads us away from wisdom.
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Exodus 20:3
Worship becomes wise when we direct it toward the Source, not just the symbol.
We don’t worship the blessing.
We worship the Giver.
Worshiping the Savior, Not Status or Power
The Wise Men passed up political power and earthly kings to bow before a child.
While others bowed to status, they bowed to the Savior.
“They fell down and worshiped Him.”
— Matthew 2:11
In a culture obsessed with visibility and influence, worship reminds us of what truly lasts.
Reflection:
Who or what has the loudest voice in your life right now?
Is it pointing you toward Jesus—or away from Him?
Worship Has Hands and Feet
Worship doesn’t end with words.
It moves into action.
The Wise Men didn’t just bow—they gave.
They didn’t just feel—they followed.
Three Practical Ways to Live This Out
1. Put Jesus First
Before traditions. Before distractions. Before everything else.
2. Give Sacrificially for Others
This Christmas, our church saw generosity in action through our Christmas Offering, meeting real needs and blessing real families.
3. Choose Presence Over Performance
Be fully present with the people God has placed in your life.
Meaningful conversations. Shared prayer. Simple moments centered on Jesus.
A Personal Invitation
This isn’t just another Christmas.
The Wise Men were wise because they understood that worship involved more than words—it required action.
This Christmas, let’s worship Jesus the same way:
Not just with our lips,
but through love,
through sacrifice,
and through how we treat others.
May our lives point clearly to the King we bow before.