What if you could swap stress for peace and worship this Christmas? Find peace in the holiday season with actionable steps to manage holiday stress and prioritize Christ with Christmas worship ideas. From spiritual habits to worship-centered Christmas traditions, these simple ideas from the story of the wisemen will help you find joy and peace amid a busy holiday. Listen, watch, or read this content and take the Christmas Worship Challenge to put it into practice.
I am so glad you stopped in for a visit. Get your heart geared for worship with some simple, practical tips as we are reminded to worship like a wise man from Matthew 2:10-12. For more on this content, listen to the Habits of Hope Podcast episode on this topic.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.”– Matthew 2:10-12
There is simplicity to this familiar story. Some of us may have heard it many times. Familiarity can sometimes numb our spirits to the wonder of discovery. Embedded in this passage are some practical examples of simple things we can do to worship Christ.
Simple Christmas Worship Ideas from the Wise Men
The journey of the wise men in Matthew 2:10-12 offers a powerful Christmas worship ideas to prioritize Christ throughout a busy holiday. Their actions remind us that worship is not just about singing songs or attending services—it’s a heart posture and a way of life. When we keep the holy in our holiday, we will find it easier to manage holiday busyness. Let’s explore seven steps of worship from the wise men to help us keep Christ at the center of Christmas this year.
Christmas Worship Idea: See
“When they saw the star…”
The wise men were actively looking for the signs of Jesus. Worship begins with seeing Christ—noticing His presence in your life and expecting Him to show up. This Christmas, practice spiritual awareness by looking for Christ in the beauty of the season and in quiet moments of reflection. Making time to focus on Christ is a simple, but effective way to manage holiday stress by taking time to be still and focus.
Takeaway: When we focus our attention on Jesus, we begin to see Him more clearly in our daily lives.
Christmas Worship Idea: Rejoice
“They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Joy is the natural response to recognizing Jesus. The wise men didn’t let their long journey or obstacles rob them of the joy they felt when they found Him. This Christmas, choose to rejoice in Christ rather than focusing on the stress of the season. Gratitude can help shift your heart toward joy. Joy doesn’t have to be complicated—it comes from knowing Christ.
This Christmas, make it your goal to choose joy!
Christmas Worship Idea: Enter In
“They came into the house…”
The wise men didn’t stay at a distance; they entered in. Worship requires intentional closeness. Set aside distractions and fully engage with Jesus through prayer, scripture, or quiet reflection. You can’t worship from the outside looking in—worship is about drawing near to Christ.
What’s keeping you from entering into God’s presence today?
Christmas Worship Idea: Worship Wholeheartedly
“They fell to the ground and worshiped Him.”
The wise men’s worship was full of reverence and awe. They humbled themselves before Jesus, giving Him the honor He deserved. This Christmas, let your worship flow from gratitude for the gift of Christ.
Worship is more than a song; it’s a response of awe and love for who Jesus is and what He has done.
Christmas Worship Idea: Open Your Treasures
“Then, opening their treasures…”
The wise men’s treasures symbolized their hearts’ devotion. Consider what “treasures” you’ve been keeping closed—your time, talents, or focus—and open them to Christ as an act of worship.Your treasures reveal your heart.
True worship begins when we offer everything we value to Jesus.
Christmas Worship Idea: Give Him Your Gifts
“They presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The wise men gave offerings fit for a King. Their gifts reflected their love, reverence, and sacrifice. This Christmas, think about how you can offer your best to Jesus—whether it’s your time, talents, or resources.
When we give Jesus our best, we reflect our gratitude and worship for all He’s given us. What gift can you offer Jesus this Christmas?
Christmas Worship Idea: Obey God’s Leading
“Having been warned by God in a dream, the Magi left for their own country by another way.”
Worship doesn’t end when the music stops—it transforms us. True worship inspires us to listen to God’s guidance and obey. Like the wise men, be attentive to where God is leading you this season.
Worship moves us to action—listen for God’s voice and follow Him. Obedience to God’s leading is one of the most practical ways to worship.
Christmas Worship Ideas in a Daily Challenge!
The wise men’s journey offers us a timeless pattern for worship: seek Him, rejoice in Him, enter into His presence, worship Him with awe, open your heart, give your best, and follow His direction. When we worship intentionally, Christmas becomes more than a season—it becomes a sacred celebration of Jesus.
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to our latest episode of Habits of Hope where we explore these steps and share practical ways to keep Christ at the center of Christmas. 🎧 This post is Day 1 of the Christmas Worship Challenge. Take the challenge to stay motivated to keep Christ the center of a busy holiday season. Join in the fun and discover the many benefits of worship, including a simple way to manage holiday stress. Click here or the button below to sign up.
Your daily worship includes the following short devotions highlighting one passage, one worship tip, and a song. Look for the roadmap for your challenge in your inbox. Save your email or download the PDF list of linked daily devotions to stay focused on Christ this Christmas.
Podcast Takeaways:
- Reorder Priorities: Reflect on what your schedule says about your Christmas focus and choose to put worship first.
- Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas: Approach the Christmas story with fresh eyes and a heart open to awe.
- Balance Holy and Fun: Learn how to enjoy the celebrations without losing focus on the true reason for the season.
- Give Your Best to God: Like the Magi, offer your treasures—time, talents, and priorities—as an act of worship.
- Practice the Ministry of Presence: Bless others by showing up for those who may feel lonely or far from family.
Scriptural Focus:
- Matthew 2:10-12: The wise men’s journey shows us how to seek Christ, rejoice, and worship through giving and obedience.
- Luke 12:34: Reflect on where your treasure is this Christmas—it reveals the location of your heart.
- Philippians 4:4: Choose joy as a form of worship, transforming your mindset during the holiday season.
Action Steps for a Worshipful Christmas:
- Audit your calendar to identify how you’re spending your time.
- Add worship to your to-do list and start your day with Christ.
- Use sacred traditions like scripture reading, music, or lighting candles to refocus on Jesus.
- Participate in the Christmas Worship Challenge on Ginger’s website.
- Reflect on God’s promises and seek ways to obey His leading during the holidays.
Listen and Worship Today
Enjoy these worship songs as you choose one of these worship-like-a-wise-man tips for today’s challenge. Which simple idea for worship resonates with you today?
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
