Meditations for a Meaningful Christmas

By Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol

December 9  |  Come to Worship

“We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:2

The coming of the Son of God on earth is an invitation to salvation just as much as it is also an invitation to worship.

The magi from the East, despite their vaunted knowledge in astronomy and philosophy, did not leave the comfortable confines of their study chamber because they saw Jesus as a mere subject to study or some phenomena to research about. Neither did they brave those long and treacherous roads to Bethlehem, because they believed in Jesus as an amazing object for contemplation and meditation. No, the magi came to Bethlehem to worship.

Drawn irresistibly to Jesus by the prophecies spoken by about him by the Old Testament prophets, the magi came for the sole purpose of worshiping Jesus. They knew Jesus as the divine King of kings and Lord of lords. Without fear, they face Herod and asked the bogus king, in his face, this question, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)

True worship is brave and courageous. It cannot be stopped neither it can be stifled. Like water, true worship is unstoppable act of those who have been enlightened. The magi didn’t fear Herod nor the rigors of their spiritual trek to Israel. They were real worshippers.

It was because of this conviction that Jesus was the divine king that made them bring those costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The combine value of their gifts to the infant Jesus spoke of the depth and strength of their convictions. True worship is not mere confession; it is action, characterized by extravagance, genuine sacrifice and rich generosity! (Matthew 2:10-11).

But today, worship is often what many miss in this frenetic season of Christmas. Many fall into the mold of the hustle and bustle of worldly commercialism; while, fleshly decadence deaden the spiritual senses of many. We get distracted and sidetracked so easily. But keeping our perspective on the real personhood of Jesus, will enable us to worship Him, the way the magi did.

In this season of remembering the birth of our Savior, may you be drawn closer to Jesus to worship Him!