Advent Devotional: O Come, Let Us Adore Him
Christmas is almost here! For many little children in our culture, this means a growing sense of anticipation and excitement. For many adults, however, it brings a sense of panic about all the shopping, wrapping, and mailing that still needs to be done. For some, this season brings feelings of deep grief and reminders of great loss. For still others, the arrival of Christmas brings a sense of relief—relief that the craziness will soon be over for another year.
But for those of us who call ourselves Christians—for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ—how are we to respond to the approach of Christmas?
What is the right Christian response to Christmas? What should characterize the way we observe this holiday? Is it the spirit of giving? An emphasis on peace and goodwill toward others? Joy and mirth? (I know I could have just said happiness, but I like the sound of the word mirth.) All of these responses are good, but they are not necessarily unique to Christians. Of course, not everyone in our culture stops to reflect on the importance of peace, joy, and generosity at Christmastime—but some do. So what is the truly Christian response to Christmas?
I believe the truly Christian element of Christmas—and the element most often missing from our culture’s celebration—is worship or adoration. As the hymn says, "come, let us adore Him."
The primary word in the New Testamant is proskuneō (προσκυνέω), and it means:
- to fall down before
- to kiss toward
- to show reverence and/or allegiance
It conveys loving submission, not mere ritual.
“Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Adoration/worship is relational, not mechanical.
Worship was the distinguishing mark of everyone who first encountered the Christ child.
The angels worshiped:
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”
— Luke 2:13–14
The shepherds worshiped:
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
— Luke 2:20
The Magi worshiped:
“And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
— Matthew 2:11
Mary worshiped:
“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”
— Luke 1:46–47
Zechariah worshiped:
“And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.’”
— Luke 1:67–68
Simeon worshiped:
“He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.’”
— Luke 2:28–30
There is nothing wrong with putting up decorations, wrapping presents, hanging lights, exchanging gifts, and singing “Jingle Bells” at Christmastime. But apart from worship, all of these things are utterly empty and inadequate responses to the reality of our Savior’s birth. The first priority in all of our celebrating should be worship; everything else should flow out of hearts filled with adoration and praise for Jesus.
And worship is not merely attending religious ceremonies or singing religious Christmas carols. Worship is an attitude of the heart—a posture of awe, gratitude, surrender, and love toward the One who has come for us.
This Christmas, let us resolve not to let the cultural, consumer monstrosity of this season rob us of our ability to worship Jesus.
Let us worship like the shepherds—who dropped everything to go and see Jesus.
Let us worship like the Magi—who gave extravagant gifts to the King.
Let us worship like Mary—who treasured and pondered the glory of Christ.
Let us worship like Simeon—who blessed God for giving the world a Savior.
In the words of the hymn we sing each year: O come, let us adore Him.
Reflection Questions
- When you think about Christmas approaching, what emotions rise most quickly in your heart—joy, stress, relief, grief, anticipation? What might those emotions reveal about where your focus has been?
- How would your Christmas season look different if worship—not activity or tradition—were your first priority?
- Which response to Jesus most resonates with you right now: the shepherds’ urgency, the Magi’s generosity, Mary’s quiet pondering, or Simeon’s grateful peace?
- What might you need to lay aside this season in order to more fully adore Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are worthy of our worship—far more than our busyness, our traditions, or our celebrations can express. Forgive us for the ways we allow distraction, pressure, and consumerism to crowd out adoration. Like the shepherds, help us respond with urgency. Like the Magi, teach us to give generously. Like Mary, help us treasure and ponder Your glory. Like Simeon, may we bless You with grateful hearts, knowing that our eyes have seen Your salvation. This Christmas, draw our hearts back to what matters most: worshiping You.
Amen.