Scripture References: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Ephesians 2:1-10
Intro: Five days until Christmas! Amidst the rush (last-minute shopping, Amazon boxes, maybe even Hallmark movies), it's easy to go through the motions. God wants more for us than mundane routine; He desires to reignite awe and wonder in our hearts this season. Last week we saw those who missed Jesus (Herod, religious leaders). Today, let's learn from those who did encounter Him: the Wise Men and Mary.
Key Points:
- The Wise Men: Posture of Worship (Matt 2): These Gentile "stargazing bookworms" weren't just curious; they journeyed far, driven by a hunger to worship the newborn King. Seeing the star, they "rejoiced exceedingly." They fell down in worship, offered costly gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh – signifying giving our best, our treasure, prioritizing Him), and departed obediently by another route. They recognized His supreme worth.
- True Worship: Giving & Obedience: Worship isn't passive observation or just singing. It involves actively offering ourselves and our treasures to Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord. It also requires obedience – allowing the encounter to change our direction, aligning our lives with His Word (John 14:23). We must remain humble students.
- Mary: Posture of Grace & Yieldedness (Luke 1): Mary, a seemingly ordinary young woman, was chosen not for her status or qualifications, but by God's sheer grace ("highly favored" = graciously accepted). Her significance came from God being with her. Her response wasn't self-promotion but humble submission: "I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as you have said."
- The Cost of God's Favor: Being "highly favored" didn't mean an easy life for Mary. It meant potential ridicule, risk, discomfort, pain, and ultimately, profound sorrow watching her Son die. God's favor often leads down counter-cultural paths requiring sacrifice, sustained only by His presence.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35): Mary couldn't fulfill this impossible calling alone. The angel promised the Holy Spirit would empower her. Likewise, following Jesus, loving well, parenting, serving – it's all impossible without the Holy Spirit's power. He's a necessity, not a luxury. We must decrease; He must increase.
Conclusion: The Christmas story calls us beyond sentimentality to genuine encounter. The Wise Men model active pursuit, costly worship, and obedient response. Mary models humble yieldedness to God's surprising grace and utter dependence on the Holy Spirit. Let's move past the motions and embrace these postures this Christmas.
Call to Action: Ask God to reignite awe and wonder. Approach Him like the Wise Men – seek Him, worship Him fully, offer your best, and be ready to obey. Embrace Mary's posture – say "yes" to His call, trust His grace over your adequacy, and rely completely on the Holy Spirit's power. Come to communion remembering His grace ("But God..." Eph 2) and asking for a fresh filling of His Spirit.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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