Advent
Unwrapping the Gifts of Advent - The Gift of Joy
“When they saw the star they were filled with great joy!”
(Matthew 2:10)
The Magi who sought the Messiah rejoiced when they saw the star in the east for they knew that it was a sign from the heavens that would lead them to their Savior. They longed to find the Lord so they could bow down and worship Him as King. When the star filled the sky and lighted the way, they knew that their search was almost at an end and their hearts were overwhelmed with joy!
And, just like the Wise Men of years ago, there are many searchers in the world today. They are men and women, both young and old, who are looking for answers. They search for something to fix the pain, remove the ache and save them from an empty life. But, unlike the travelers who found Jesus in the light of that star over Bethlehem, they often follow the wrong paths. Somehow, they miss His light, for lack of a star. But still, they search. And for those who search for the Lord, they will find joy beyond their imagination, for they will find Christ. He is the only One who can satisfy the longing in our hearts and fill the “God-shaped” hole inside of us. We have but to ask…
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Joyfully receiving Him,
“Joy to the world – the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
I invite you to link up today for "Sharing His Beauty" and share the blessing that God is to you in your life. Simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information.
Or, if you choose, you may leave a comment on my post to tell of the beauty you have found in His hands. Be sure to visit some of the other inspirational sites linked up and be encouraged today!
10 Comments
Today's message at church was all about JOY! And our pastor said that the secret to real joy is this - the enduring and sure knowledge that GOD IS WITH ME.
ReplyDeleteThat is our Emmanuel. The One who became one of us - so that we could find Him and invite Him into our hearts. The One who died so we could live forever!
Let earth receive her KING!! AMEN.
GOD BLESS!
It is so comforting to know that he never changes and he is waiting to give us all that he gave those in the first century ... if we but ask and seek him.
ReplyDeleteThe joy of the Shepherds as they heard the Angels announce the birth of our King, and also the Magi who followed the star their joy must have simply made their hearts almost burst for happiness. May we get excited too when we come to worship our Lord and King.
ReplyDeleteAmen! It is because of ALL these: shattered homes, rent hearts, broken bodies, that the Messiah has come – to save, to heal, and to restore. To give new lives.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week,
Rina
I am so very thankful that He removed the ache in my heart and replaced it with His Joy.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Joan; the joy of the Lord is our strength! We are blessed to be able to receive God's gift of joy during this season and always. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Denise
I am reminded that the JOY of the Lord is My Strength. Thank you for reminding us to be joyful in this season of the celebration of His birth.
ReplyDeleteDear Joan, God created us for fellowship with Him, so until we trust Him, nothing can satisfy the aching and emptiness in our heart. Those who are truly wise place their faith in Him, not in man's "wisdom" or science. Thanks for the excellent post and hosting the linkup!
ReplyDeleteJoy and peace to you!
Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteAt church yesterday, we sang songs about joy and the third unity candle was lit. We can have joy even during times of uncertainty...the joy of the Lord is our strength.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
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