I absolutely adore the variety of ages and stages in our family. Just this past week, we attended our 3-year-old niece’s dance recital, and later we watched our 6-year-old niece be the “candle lighter” at their church’s candlelight service. Pure, unadulterated joy was written all over their sweet faces.
Eventually, once we were home we found ourselves watching videos of our kids as babies. That same look of joy was evident in how they played and sang made-up songs.
Joy is defined as gladness when studying the definitions in Hebrew and Greek. Without a doubt, one’s child-like innocence causes one to be glad whether dancing in front of family, lighting a candle, or just playing with siblings.
However, as one grows older and experiences the ups and downs of life, it becomes challenging to feel glad about much … even in this season where merriment and festivity are everywhere.
That is until we redirect our focus onto the Source of our joy.
Matthew 2:9-11 ESV says of the Wise Men: “… 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.”
The Wise Men couldn’t help but feel glad when they realized they had found Who they had been searching for. They couldn’t help but express their gratitude for the King of kings – the Son of God. These men couldn’t help but give their best to Jesus.
I love this quote: “Because of Jesus, we have the HOPE of heaven and the promise of PEACE as we go through life here on earth.”
What an amazing gift of LOVE from God the Father to each of us!
In John 15:11 ESV, Jesus stated: “… that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Dear Friend, may the unspeakable joy of the Lord be your strength.
