Do you know the song the Magi sang to baby Jesus? Do you know the prayer that they made to the newborn king? Can you remember the words with which Joseph and Mary addressed them during their visit? Nowhere in the Gospel do we find this information. Knowing the purpose of their visit, this silence is surprising and possibly significant! The Magi traveled hundreds of kilometers over several days, with a clear goal: finding “the one who has been born king of the Jews,” and worshipping him. (Matt. 2:2 NIV). 

If you had to speak about your last worship experience, what would you talk about? Some would mention the quality of the ser mon. Others would comment on the rendition of the choir, and a few would recall the prayer session. All are essential elements of worship. Interestingly, the report about the Magi in Bethlehem is silent about these impor tant details. The focus is elsewhere: “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.” (Matt. 2: 11). Giving was the critical part of their worship. 

Giving as an act of worship is our umbrella theme for this current issue of the Dynamic Steward. Coralie writes about the function of giving in Adventist worship: the incentive, purpose and theology of giving. Baxen presents the Three Angels’ Messages, that revolve around worship, as foundational to our stewardship message. Through the beautiful analogy of soccer fans, Reyes invites us to assess our role as part of God’s team. Enjoy the other articles and grow in your ministry to lead others to engage in full worship. 

Hearty wishes for 2020! 

Aniel Barbe, Editor