12.24.2023 | THE PRESENCE OF THE KING
1. CELEBRATE HIS PRESENCE WITH JOY
Matthew 2:10 NLT
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.
The Presence of the King brings great Joy!
Psalm 16:11b
In Your Presence is fullness of Joy.
Young man’s description of worship at Joy Church – It’s like a Jesus Party!
Yes, we are celebrating the Presence of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ every time we gather. Jesus is alive! He is the King of Kings! He has come to save us! Hallelujah! We want to celebrate His Presence! He is Emmanuel: God with Us!
2. HONOR HIS PRESENCE WITH AWE AND HUMILITY
Matthew 2:11a
They entered the house, and saw the Child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him.
Hebrew word for worship – to bow down in submission and reverence. Literally, to make oneself low.
Greek word for worship – to kiss towards, prostrate before
John 12:3 NLT
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with fragrance.
These wise men fell down and worshiped the King of Kings. We want to follow their example!
3. COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH OPEN HEARTS
Matthew 2:11b NLT
Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
We want to come into His Presence with open hearts.
Matthew 5:8 NLT
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of His day.
It looked like worship on the outside, but their hearts were shut and far from God on the inside.
We want to open our hearts and offer ourselves to Him.
Treasure chests can sometimes refer to secret, hidden places. Shame in the secret, hidden places of our hearts, wants us to keep our hearts closed. By God’s grace, when we open our hearts in His Presence, we find healing and forgiveness. As we truly worship Him, His glory comes, and we begin to shine bright for Jesus Christ!
Discussion Questions
Can you remember a time when you experienced the Manifest Presence of God?
What was it like? How did it happen? How did you respond?
What words or phrases would you use to describe the worship of the wise men?
Does the worship of the wise men make you uncomfortable in any way?
The Holy Spirit wants to help us grow as worshippers. How is He challenging you to grow as a worshipper?