Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
December 14, 2010
“More than Homage”
The scripture says the Wise Men, in finding the child Jesus, “knelt down and paid him homage.” (Matthew 2:11; NRSV) Most other translations read, “…worshiped him.” That word “homage,” probably captures a little more of the Greek, but it is not a word that we regularly use. Paying homage is more than paying respect. Homage is more than an act of reverence or awe. It involves a surrender of your life to the One you revere.
True worship also carries that element of surrender. Worship is not simply coming together to sing some hymns, pay some respect, and then going on our way. Worship involves a surrender to the One worshiped. Paul put it this way; “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1; NRSV)
Does “homage” and “spiritual worship” describe how we will approach the celebration of Christ’s birth? Some studies have found that Christmas has replaced Easter as the time when more non-regular church participants attend a worship service. But that yearly journey to a Christmas service is not the same as paying real homage to Christ. Nor is it the spiritual worship that Paul says Christ desires.
I read of a preacher who sent his members a record of their worship attendance during the year. He said many were surprised when they saw how many Sunday’s they had actually missed. Many members, who considered themselves regular in worship and committed followers of Christ, had missed more than 30% of the Sunday worship experiences. Some had missed 50% or more of the time. But they thought themselves faithful to Christ and His Church. This took place the week before their Christmas Eve services. During their Christmas Eve services he had a Worship Commitment Card in their bulletins. As an act of worship, he invited the congregation to lay in the manger that Commitment Card. On the card, they were encouraged to make a commitment to the number of Sunday’s they would be in worship in the coming year.
We are not planning on such a Commitment Card for our Christmas Eve services, but that pastor had a good point. Truly paying homage to Christ, involves a year long commitment to worship and serve Christ. Christ wants followers, not simply fans who show up at special times.
I believe it is very appropriate that we are following our Advent-Christmas celebrations with Impact 2011 and the study “Not a Fan.” By now you should have seen information about this opportunity to grow as a committed follower of Jesus Christ. The Message Series and Small Group study kicks-off January 9th, 2011. There will be opportunities to sign up and purchase your study material this Sunday, December 19th.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
