Who Rules Your Heart?

Throughout history, gold has been considered the most precious metal. It has long represented value, honor, and royalty. Wherever there have been kings, gold has been present, adorning thrones, treasuries, and royal ceremonies. It is no surprise, then, that the Magi brought gold to Jesus. It was a clear and powerful declaration: this child is a King.

In Matthew 2, wise men from the East arrive in Jerusalem with a question: where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? They had seen his star rise and traveled a great distance to worship him. Their arrival and their question reveal something essential. They weren’t just honoring a potential future leader. They had come to recognize and bow before a reigning King.

The Star That Marked a King's Birth
The rising star they followed was no ordinary celestial event. In ancient times, the appearance of a new star was often associated with the birth of a royal figure. The Magi, trained in interpreting such signs, knew what they had seen. But even more than their own wisdom, Scripture had already spoken of this.

In Isaiah 60, the prophet describes a scene where light breaks into darkness, and kings and nations are drawn to its brilliance. This prophetic imagery mirrors what the Magi experienced. The light of a star guided them to the true King. The passage even references the bringing of gold and frankincense as part of this moment of worship.

The connection is striking. The Magi saw the light, recognized its significance, and responded by traveling far with costly gifts. These weren't random items. Gold, in particular, signified royalty. Their journey, their offerings, and their posture of worship all pointed to one truth. Jesus is King.

Worship That Costs Something
The story of the Magi is more than a picturesque moment in the Christmas narrative. It is a picture of true worship. These men crossed nations at great expense and inconvenience to honor Jesus. They opened not only their treasures but also their hearts. It challenges us to consider. What are we willing to offer in worship? How far are we willing to go to bow before our King?

We take long trips and spend significant money on things like college football games and vacations. We plan, prepare, and prioritize those experiences. The Magi did the same, but for the sake of worship. Their pursuit of the newborn King wasn’t casual. It was passionate, intentional, and costly.

A Glimpse of Glory
One vivid example comes to mind from a Christmas pageant at Houston's First Baptist Church. Each year, this grand production would walk through the biblical story, including a dramatic entrance of the Magi. In one unforgettable moment, a king entered on an elephant. Others on camels filled the sanctuary with awe. The final king approached the Christ child slowly, dismounted, and bowed low before him. As his robe unfurled, long and golden, he lifted a gift of gold high in the air and laid it down in worship.

That scene captured something powerful. Worship that is intentional. Worship that costs something. Worship that recognizes who Jesus truly is.

Submission, Not Just Admiration
The Magi didn’t come to admire a symbolic figure or honor a baby with potential. They came to bow before a King. And not just any king, but the King. Their actions declared a deep truth. Jesus is not waiting to become King. He already is.

Worship is more than admiration. It is submission. Kings don’t request permission to rule. They reign. They do not negotiate authority; they hold it. And Jesus, the King born in Bethlehem, is no exception. He is not just meant to inspire us. He is meant to lead us.

So the real question this Christmas is not, Was a baby born in Bethlehem? The real question is, Who rules your heart? Is it you? Or is it Him?

The Magi laid gold at Jesus’ feet and said, in effect, You rule here. What will you lay down? Will you lift your heart and your hands to the King? He is worthy.


This blog is based on the message shared by Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson at our CityRise Bellaire campus on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. Check out the full message below!