When Praise Shows Up [Matt. 2:11] Praise

Introduction

Church, our text says:

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Beloved, the wise men came a long way—not just to look, not just to stare, not just to spectate—but to praise! Advent reminds us that when Christ shows up, praise is the right response.

Somebody shout—“Praise is the response!”

This morning, I want to lift three truths about Advent–Praise:

Advent Praise is personal

Advent Praise is purposeful

Advent Praise is powerful

Point 1: Advent Praise is Personal

The wise men didn’t send somebody else to worship. They came themselves. The text says, “They saw the child and bowed down and worshiped him.”

Illustration: Think about a birthday party. You don’t just send somebody else to celebrate. You show up in person. Advent praise means we don’t just watch others worship—we praise Him for ourselves.

Our ancestors knew this: “I love the Lord, He heard my cry.” Praise is personal because God has done something personal for you.

Application:

Young people: Don’t just rely on Mama’s prayers—make praise your own.

Adults: In the busyness of life, don’t forget to stop and give God your praise.

Elders: Keep your praise going—it’s your testimony that God has kept you this far.

Call and Response: Turn to your neighbor and say: “This praise is mine!”

Point 2: Advent Praise is Purposeful

The wise men didn’t come empty-handed. They came with gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each with meaning. Their praise was intentional, not accidental.

Illustration: When you shop for Christmas, the best gifts are the ones chosen with thought, purpose, and love. Praise is the same—it’s not just noise, it’s a gift from the heart.

Praise with purpose says: “Lord, You are King (gold), You are God (frankincense), You are my sacrifice (myrrh).”

Application:

Don’t just clap because the choir is good—praise on purpose because God is good.

Don’t just shout because the beat is right—shout on purpose because His mercy endures forever.

Call and Response: Somebody say: “My praise has purpose!”

Point 3: Advent Praise is Powerful

When the wise men praised, heaven’s prophecy was being fulfilled: nations would come to worship the Messiah. Their act of praise carried power.

Illustration: Have you ever walked into a room heavy, but when the saints started praising, the atmosphere shifted? Praise has power to change the room, to lift burdens, to break chains.

Our ancestors in the fields knew this. They praised in the midst of oppression, and their songs became weapons of survival and hope.

Application:

When life feels heavy—praise anyway, because praise has power.

When the enemy comes against you—praise, because praise confuses the enemy.

When you don’t know what else to do—praise, because God inhabits the praises of His people.

Call and Response: Shout with me: “There’s power in my praise!”

Celebratory Close

Church, Advent reminds us that praise is the right response when Jesus shows up.

Praise is personal—you’ve got to do it for yourself.

Praise is purposeful—it’s intentional and meaningful.

Praise is powerful—it shifts atmospheres, breaks chains, and fulfills prophecy.

So don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to shout. Don’t wait until the battle is over. Don’t wait until everything looks right.

Praise Him right now!

Praise Him because He was born!

Praise Him because He lived!

Praise Him because He died!

Praise Him because He rose!

Praise Him because He’s coming again!

Call and Response Celebration:

If He’s worthy of your personal praise—say yes!

If He deserves your purposeful praise—say yes!

If you believe in the power of praise—give Him glory!

Because the wise men praised when they saw the child—and we can praise because we’ve seen the Savior!

Now give God your best Advent praise, because Jesus is here, and He is worthy!