It’s the day before Christmas. As family and friends gather to celebrate the newborn king, there is an anticipation for what is about to happen. A joyful mood fills our hearts and our houses as we enjoy time together. Are we aware that joy comes from our Lord Jesus? When the wise men encountered Jesus as a newborn baby, they were filled with overwhelming joy. The joy of the Lord wells up in our hearts when we are near him.
Matt 2:10-11
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Humble Yourself
These wise men followed a star that led them right to the newborn king. When they saw him, they filled with joy, fell down and worshipped him, and then gave him expensive gifts. These dignified men from a distant land humbled themselves before a baby in Bethlehem.
Finding Joy
Have you noticed that when people encounter Jesus, they are filled with joy? These men were so full of joy for finding Jesus that they rejoiced exceedingly. You can’t come away from an encounter with Jesus without being filled with joy. Whether it be from having our sins forgiven or from a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, the result is always joy we feel in our heart. That’s because joy is a fruit result from being close to him. All Christians should have the joy of the Lord in their hearts. If it’s missing it probably means we are moving away from Jesus.
Respond with Worship
Our response to this joy that Jesus puts in our life should always be worship. The wise men bowed down before Jesus and gave him all the glory. Imagine that scene, distinguished men in their expensive robes and attire on their faces before a baby praising him. If the Joy of the Lord is in our hearts then worship should naturally flow out of mouths. That is what “rejoiced exceedingly” means.
Give Your Best
Finally, the wise men gave him lavish gifts. Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh were some of the most valuable commodities of the day. It was definitely more wealth than Joseph or Mary had ever seen. Why did they give Jesus these costly gifts? Because they gave of the best, they had. Our response to the Joy of the Lord being inside of us should always be to give Jesus our greatest gifts. Is the Joy of the Lord in your heart? Do you see that joy manifested in your worship and giving? If its missing then draw closer to Jesus, and he will draw closer to you.