Norm Spohr reflects on the account of the Magi in Matthew 2, drawing practical and spiritual lessons from their response to the birth of Jesus Christ. He begins by noting that Christmas centers on an event that was quiet, humble, and largely unnoticed by the world — yet it changed history forever. The Magi stand out because they recognized the significance of what God was doing when many others did not.
Norm highlights the spiritual hunger and discernment of the Magi. Though they were Gentiles and outsiders to Israel, they were attentive to God’s revelation and willing to act on it. They traveled a great distance, at great cost, because they believed the King they sought was worth pursuing. Their journey was intentional, sacrificial, and focused.
In contrast, Norm points to Herod’s response, marked by fear, insecurity, and deception. While the Magi sought Christ to worship Him, Herod sought to protect his own power. This contrast exposes two very different heart attitudes toward Jesus: humble worship versus threatened resistance.
Norm then emphasizes the Magi’s response upon finding Christ. When they entered the house and saw the child Jesus with Mary, they fell down and worshipped Him. Their worship was expressed through reverence, humility, and the offering of costly gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — symbolizing honor, devotion, and surrender.
A key takeaway of the sermon is that true worship flows from recognizing who Jesus truly is. The Magi did not merely observe Christ; they bowed before Him and gave Him their best. Norm challenges listeners to consider whether they are merely aware of Jesus or whether they, like the Magi, are willing to reorder their lives around Him.
The sermon concludes by noting that after encountering Christ, the Magi returned home “by another way.” Norm explains that a genuine encounter with Jesus always results in transformation — we do not leave the same way we came. Meeting Christ changes our direction, priorities, and response to God’s will.