Not Just a Little Joy to the World

Wednesday, December 24

Matthew 2:7-11 (ESV)

“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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.”

Devotion

The miracle of the star led these wise but pagan men to search for a king—the Messiah. Their quest required searching Scripture for direction. After a journey that took two years, the wise men rejoiced exceedingly—not just a little—when the direction was confirmed and the star came to rest where Yeshua (Jesus) lived, a Jewish child in a small town in Israel. Their response was to bow down, worship Jesus, and give Him the gifts they had prepared.

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, revealing that He intended to make a path to peace for sinful people everywhere who would repent. An offer of restoration and healing would be for those who were “far” from Him, like the pagan wise men, and for those who were “near,” like the Jewish people to whom the Law and the Prophets had been given. This promise would be for all who would turn from sin and humble themselves (Isaiah 57:14–21). In the same passage, God promised there would be no peace for those who remained wicked, such as Herod.

While He was on earth, Jesus also preached peace with God to those who were “far off” and to those who were “near.” Through Jesus—and Jesus alone—there is forgiveness of sins, access to the Father, and unity with each other in the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:13–19).

Like the wise men, we do not have to be strangers to God anymore. God promised through the prophet Jeremiah that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). The exceeding joy of finding Jesus and being in His presence is available to you and to those you love whose hearts seem “far off.”

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that true joy is available, yes, exceeding joy, because of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. Thank You for the gift of Jesus’ Name. I praise the Name of Jesus today, which You made the Name above every name and filled with power to rescue, redeem, and restore. I pray that You would be moving in the lives of those who seem “far away”—among my loved ones, my friends, and even my enemies. Move them along the path that You have prepared to lead them to salvation, as You so graciously led the wise men. Soften their hearts to desire truth, to seek You, and to find You. I trust that You are working, Lord; please help me to trust that You are working. In the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

This week, even today, plan to set aside 15 minutes to read aloud, by yourself or with others, Luke Chapter 2. Let the word of God itself soak into your spirit and fill you with exceeding joy. If you would like to spend a bit more time, start with Isaiah 53 and follow it with Luke 2.

Resources

• Watch “Keep Christ in Christmas” and experience a joy that goes beyond the gifts and the glitter—a joy that only comes from celebrating Jesus.
• Gather the family and join us in person or online for our special Candlelight Service tonight at 4 PM & 6 PM.