Joy

Matthew 2:9-11

It can often be hard to put into words exactly how we feel, and this seems to be even more true when we experience an intense feeling or emotion. One of the intense emotions that evokes this indescribable response is the feeling of pure joy. Imagine, for a second, you are seeing a veteran athlete finally win a championship or gold medal after playing their sport for several years. It is not uncommon for them to be overtaken with emotion and say something to the effect of “this is surreal,” “I am speechless,” or “I am just so happy right now.”

I think the emotion associated with this incredible feat is not even a hint of what the wise men were feeling when they saw the star leading them to Jesus. The joy of possibly seeing the Savior they have waited for is so immense that the emotion described in Matthew 2 almost seems redundant. The wise men “rejoice exceedingly with great joy” after seeing only the place where the Savior was, not even Jesus himself. When they actually see Jesus, their joy grows and leads to the only response left: falling down in worship. These high-status, adult men are so filled with joy and humility at the sight of this baby who is said to be their Savior that they fall on their faces and give him their own treasures as gifts. Their joy was in anticipation, but our joy is in the victory won on our behalf. What a joy it is to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to be able to read about the mysteries revealed as Good News for all who would believe.

Prayer:

Lord help us to find our peace, hope, and joy in you. Help us to humbly see You for who You are and fall down in worship.

Question to consider:

Where are you trying to find your joy? How can you rejoice today in what Jesus has done for you, is doing for you, and will do for you?