December 14, 2025

GLORIA: KING OF KINGS!!
Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley
December 14, 2025

What would you give to go back in time and visit Bethlehem, with knowledge that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, would be born in a stable there that night? Can you imagine seeing—even from afar—the angels singing in the night sky, and possibly watching the shepherds running to the stables, looking for a newborn? Would you be waiting in breathless wonder for a miracle or waiting in skeptical cynicism, thinking the whole thing is a farce? Which way do you enter the sanctuary on Sunday, especially near Christmas? Do you have a desire to hear from God, or do you have a skeptical heart, knowing it’s the thing to do to show you’re a believer, though it all sounds wild? There is always room for the honest heart who is truly searching. May you find Him this Christmas.

Focal Passages: Matthew 2:1-12, Numbers 24:17, James 4:10, Micah 6:8, Matt. 6:21, Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 72:10, Isaiah 60:6.

Those honoring Jesus at birth:

  • Read Matt. 2:1, 11. By combining the accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 2 and Luke 2, we see God ordaining knowledge of that special night to three groups of men and the heavenly host. What would have been special about the heavenly host? What size would the ‘choir’ have been? (Host = army or a great number). Had they known Jesus in His role as Son of God? How majestic would have been their praise at this time?
  • The group of shepherds was on what social level? Why would God announce the birth of His Son to lowly shepherds? What were they told? Do you think they were as hesitant to tell everyone the news as we are? Read Luke 2:17. Should we be this excited?
  • Who were the magi? How would they have known Jewish scrolls? Were they knowledgeable of the prophecies for a coming Messiah? Why would they believe? Would you travel for many months on a camel guided by a star? What built their faith?

Worshiping the King:

  • Read Matt. 2: 1-5. When the magi got to Jerusalem, what did they find? Did they travel on to Bethlehem? What did these magi do when they saw Jesus? What was special about the three gifts?
  • Read vv. 7-10. Did the wise men believe Herod’s desire to worship this new King? Why did they not return to tell Herod they found Him (vs. 12)? His wise men told him the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem; what did he do (vs. 16)? Significantly, Herod died soon after killing the babies in Bethlehem.
  • How is our worship of the King of Kings evident in our lives?

Worship Requires Humility

  • Read James 4:10. What are some attributes of humility? Why did the wise men represent humility, not only before and during their travels, but also when they saw Jesus? Explain your answer. Read Micah 6:8. Why is this verse one we should memorize and do?
  • Can you think of anyone else who worshiped the new King (Luke 2:25-35. 2”36-38)?
  • Why is Jesus the best example of a humble servant? Read Phil. 2:5-7. What are some examples of people you have known who showed true humility?

Worship Requires the Right God

  • Read Matt. 2:10-11. Who did the wise men come to visit? How did Matthew write it? Why was Jesus placed before His mother? Who did they worship?
  • When we come to church on Sunday, and the music is brilliant, the stage lovely—are we still worshiping Jesus, or are we worshiping the singer, the preacher, the orchestra? How do we check our spirit to see that we don’t fall to the side in worship?
  • “True worship of Jesus is knowing Him, giving Him glory, and living for Him in spirit and truth.” Do you agree with this? Is this how you worship?

Worship Requires Sacrifice

  • Read Luke 2:11. What was the meaning of each of the gifts the wise men brought? Were these gifts meant for a king? Explain. How did the wise men know all of this?
  • Read Matt. 6:21. Do you dread death because you don’t want to leave your stuff? Do you tithe cheerfully, or grudgingly?

Close:

It is said that we cannot appreciate days that are lovely unless we have days filled with rain, or enjoy good health unless we have sickness. The same is true of worshiping God. We may feel we are doing things correctly until we see a Christian who is walking so close to the Lord that their life is filled with praise or adoration to Him. We can’t help but ask, “Am I that in love with Christ?”

On the other hand, perhaps you live each day to the best of your ability, but a moment comes and you despair of what to do. The answer comes and has to be from the Lord. You cry, “Thank You, thank You!” Two hours later, the moment still thrills you because most of all, it said, “I’m here. I love you. You are Mine.” That bit of silent dialogue fills you with peace.

Christmas is a joyful time. We must remember that Jesus had everything. Everything! It is all His. Heaven, the Throne Room, angels, life, wisdom, understanding, compassion, judgment, love. And He gave all of it up to be born as a baby, fully man, and fully God. How? We don’t know, but we accept that it is so. He spent thirty-three years walking this earth before He died a horrific death on the cross, to pay for our sins. He did. Himself. That’s Love.

Attributes of True Humility: Do you love other people? Are they more important than you? Do you accept advice? Are acts of service easy for you? Are you gentle and patient with others? Do you try to see people as Jesus sees them? Are you a faithful person? Do you desire peace, or must you be right? Do you strive to be kind and good? Do you choose the truth, or are white lies okay? Does your heart long to be right with God? Do you have to compete with everyone, or do you choose joy? Do you let God exalt you, or praise yourself? Tough, right?

By Sandy Day
December 14, 2025                                                  

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