Our Truest Voice
“In our worship, we find our truest voice in our adoration of You, our coming King. Amen.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
The Christmas story is filled with people finding their voice through worship. Mary's song of praise revealed her deepest understanding of God's character. After their extraordinary encounter, the shepherds couldn't help but glorify and praise God for all they had seen. The wise men expressed their adoration through costly gifts. Each found their unique voice in worship, and each contribution became essential to the nativity narrative. Like the Magi who traveled great distances with a single purpose—to worship—we too discover our authentic selves when we fix our gaze upon Jesus. It is in our coming King that we find our truest voice.
Consider how worship strips away our pretenses and facades. In genuine adoration, we're no longer concerned with maintaining appearances or meeting others' expectations. We're not performing for an audience or trying to impress. Instead, we're responding to the overwhelming reality of God's presence with us—Emmanuel. This is where we find our most authentic voice, in the unfiltered expression of wonder before our King. The coming of Christ invites us to discover this authentic voice of worship. It might be expressed through song, like the angels over Bethlehem. It might emerge in silent wonder like Mary pondering these things in her heart. It could manifest in generous giving, like the Magi's presents, or simple testimony, like the shepherds spreading the word. The form is less important than the authenticity of the expression.
As we conclude our Advent journey, we're reminded that worship isn't about finding the right words or mastering certain practices. Worship is about allowing our whole being to respond to the incredible reality that God has drawn near to us in Jesus. Our truest voice emerges when we recognize who He is and who we are in relation to Him. This voice of adoration should carry beyond the Christmas season. The Magi didn't stop being worshippers when they returned home. The shepherds didn't cease glorifying God when returning to their fields. Their encounters with Christ permanently altered how they viewed and responded to the world around them. Similarly, our worship should transform how we engage with every aspect of life.
In adoring our coming King, we discover our voice and purpose. Like a telescope that finds its meaning in revealing distant stars, we find our truest function in reflecting God's glory. Whether through our work, relationships, creative expressions, or quiet moments of devotion, everything becomes an opportunity to voice our adoration. Today, let's focus on cultivating this authentic voice of worship. Let's set aside our carefully constructed images and allow our hearts to respond naturally to the wonder of incarnation. In doing so, we join the eternal chorus of those who have found their most genuine expression in adoring the King.
Take a moment to reread today’s Scripture passage and then spend some time reflecting on the following questions:
Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
When do you feel most authentic in your worship? What helps you express your true self before God? End your time in quiet worship of Jesus.