Last year, North Americans spent over $964 billion on holiday purchases; things often forgotten by February. The wise men show that Jesus is God's gift to the world. 2,026 years later, we still remember. Shift your focus from the transitory to the permanent and change your life.

This week in our Advent series, A Nativity Story, we turn our attention to the Wisemen. In our video, the modern Magi arrive expecting a pile of presents for Jesus—only to discover that the greatest gift is not something we give, but Someone we’ve received. Mary gently reminds them (and us): “It’s Jesus who is the gift… give Him your heart.”

Today we’ll explore what authentic worship looks like through the journey of the real Magi—recognizing Jesus’ worth, responding with true worship, and offering God the one gift He desires most: our hearts.

Reflection Questions:

What does it practically look like for you to “give Jesus your heart” this Christmas?
Where might God be inviting you to offer Him something costly—not out of duty, but love?
How would your daily life look different if you lived as a grateful recipient of God’s indescribable gift?

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This holiday season, I want to explore what it means to truly give, focusing on the ultimate gift that needs no wrapping: ourselves.

The Lesson from the Modern Wise Men

Imagine if the wise men of today showed up at the nativity scene only to find no mountain of presents. Instead, they grumble about shipping delays and overpriced items, making every complaint imaginable. But Mary, ever wise, reminds them and us: It's Jesus who is the gift, and what He desires most is our hearts.

Authentic Worship: Recognizing the Gift

In Matthew 2:1-2 and 10-11, we learn about the journey of the original Magi. These were not casual tourists but scholars who traveled far based on the guidance of a celestial sign. They didn't just bring care packages; their journey was a pilgrimage of worship. They recognized Jesus's worth, a recognition that should compel us to re-evaluate our own gifts.

I often wonder if we truly acknowledge Jesus as our greatest treasure. The Magi did, and they showed it through sacrifice and devotion. How does our schedule or our spending reflect our priorities?

The Magi’s recognition of Jesus changed their lives. They knew a King’s arrival warranted a worthy response. How does our recognition translate into our everyday living?

Authentic Worship: Responding with Worship

Psalm 96:8-9 calls us to worship the Lord with offerings and glory due to His name. For the Magi, their gifts symbolized gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for sacrifice. These weren't arbitrary; each was a theological declaration.

In modern worship, we must avoid focusing solely on the external experience—the lights, the music. I remind myself often that worship should mirror God's worth, not just stir emotions. The Magi came to give, not to receive. Is my worship just a leftover from busy schedules, or is it something more meaningful?

Authentic Worship: Releasing Your Heart to God

To me, authentic worship involves a full surrender of the heart. True worship comes from love and joy, not obligation or expectation. Do we obey because we want to, or because we feel pressured to? When God truly has our hearts, our actions follow from genuine love.

God desires more than our external compliance; He yearns for our innermost thoughts, desires, and values. Giving God my heart means pledging total allegiance and love.

Reflecting the Gift

In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul mentions God's indescribable gift. Jesus is that gift, and when we fully grasp this, gratitude overflows into every area of our lives. We don't perform religious acts to earn God's love; we give because we are already recipients of His abundant grace.

Like the Magi, encountering Jesus compels us to take a different route through life. They didn't return the same way they came, and neither should we. This Christmas, let's leave our familiar confines to find Jesus, and let the encounter change us permanently.

Conclusion

In a culture obsessed with perfect moments and material gifts, I invite you to focus on what truly matters this season: giving Jesus our hearts. The Magi got it right—they came to give, not to receive. Let's do the same.

Before you wrap another gift or attend another party, consider what truly giving your heart to Jesus looks like. Ask yourself how living as a grateful recipient of God's indescribable gift could transform your life. Let this Christmas be the one where you let the gift of Jesus change your route forever.

Amen.