The Joy of Christmas Part 2: Worship

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[a] and have come to worship him. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."
-Matthew 2:2,10

Worship originates within the Trinity. God is a worshiping community of one. The three persons of the Trinity continually exist with a ceaseless outpouring of love, communion, and joy. Being made in the image of God we too are ceaseless worshipers pouring ourselves out for something or someone. The question however is, who and how do we worship? When we worship God, we receive joy! As we look at the Christmas story you'll quickly notice how both are happening with all who are involved.
Romans 11:36-12:1 lays out a perfect picture of what worship looks like:

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Worship is what we glory in is what we find passion in, what we love, and what we cherish. We are willing to sacrifice for this glory. We will give up certain things so that we able to glory in what we find glorious. This is our spiritual act of worship.
Mary by far is the best example of receiving joy when worshiping God takes place in her life. We see more intimate details of her life. We read in Luke 1:46-47, "And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." In this entire passage of scripture, Mary is exalting and worshiping God with what had been done to her. She was full of joy even though she knew what she would have to give up so that she would be able to glory in what she found glorious! Luke 2:19 says that everything that was happening to her she, "quietly treasured in her heart, and thought about them often." Her worship was for God, and God alone. Worship is a lifestyle, Mary and Joseph both sacrificed and gave up so many things so that they were able to glory in what they found glorious thus receiving joy.
Look at the Shepherds. Luke 2 tells us that an Angel appeared to them and "brought news of great joy!" Jesus has been born! Then the armies of Heaven came down singing with joy a song of praise, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill to all whom God finds favor in!" The shepherds ran to Bethlehem with worshipful spirits, after all after seeing a host of angels singing who wouldn't be in a worshipful and praising mood? They saw Jesus and worshiped Him, and after doing so they "went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God!" They shepherds left their flocks, they sacrificed their job so they could go glory in what they found glorious. You know the shepherds had long heard the prophecies of the coming Messiah, and there they had seen it with their own eyes!
The Wise Men in Matthew 2:2 said, "We have seen His star as it arose and we have come to worship Him. And when they saw the star they were filled with joy! When they entered the house where Jesus was with His mother, they fell down and worshiped Him." Just like with the shepherds the magi had long heard, and studied the prophecies of the Messiah coming. They watched for signs in the sky (this is a whole other tangent for another day), and then came the day when they saw it, prophecies were being fulfilled, joy, worship! The Magi traveled many miles, that probably took days so they could come worship Jesus. They sacrificed so they could glory in what they found glorious. Also keep in mind that it was Herod too, that told the wise men, let me know where Jesus is so I too can worship Him. But the worship from Herod was not true worship. He was not sacrificing anything, he did not find glory in Jesus, if anything he worshiped himself, and other things that take the place of God, knows as idolatry (which is another tangent for another day).
Then there are 2 prophets who are rarely looked at or recognized at the Christmas season. Simeon and Anna, what beautiful people.

The Prophecy of Simeon

"25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

The Prophecy of Anna

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.[a] She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem."

Both of these prophets worshiped God with their lives, and were especially full of joy upon finally meeting Jesus who they had long waited for.
So the ultimate question is this Christmas season and all year long who or what are you worshiping with your life? Who is the object of your affection? Who or what do you sacrifice for? What are you giving up to glory in what you find glorious? Is it drugs, alcohol, porn, profane language, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality? None of that really brings you joy. It's like a Herod kind of worship. He wanted to find Jesus so he could kill him. Find Jesus! Is there room in your heart for Him? Our worship reflects our lives, what does your life look like?
Oh worship the King!