Joy
The Gift of Joy
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!
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 by 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).
Praise God that He is a Savior that wants to be found by us! He promises healing, fulfillment and life. He gives us hope and peace and fills our souls with joy! On this 3rd Sunday in Advent, as we light another candle, let’s remember the incredible gift we are unwrapping. Joy has come to the world through Christ the Lord! Let us rejoice as we welcome Him into our lives!
“Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
Joyfully receiving Him,
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23 Comments
Yes, true joy is a gift, from the One who created it. As we depend on Him,joy will be found.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan for your lovely post
...And I am depending on Him! I know that true joy doesn't come from the things of this world, but instead, from the One who made it all!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I like how you ended it with us needing to seek Him too. This world would be a much better place if we all did. God bless!
ReplyDeleteEncouraging Thoughts for Life
praising him for joy! thank you for this beautiful reminder....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting and allowing me to join. HOPE you have a blessed CHRISTmas!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Joan, the Lord Jesus Christ brings us the gift of joy. He is what the world really needs. We must not only celebrate Him this Christmas, but as that guiding star who guided the Magi, we must also guide the unsaved to Him.
ReplyDeletehttp://ourhealingmoments.com
I pray that His joy fills the hearts of those who seek Him this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Christmas, too...full of much joy!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing that those who seek Him will find Him! That is true joy!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I like how you ended it with us needing to seek Him too. This world would be a much better place if we all did. God bless! Encouraging Thoughts for Life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Derrik! There is comfort knowing that when we seek Him, He will open the door and we will find Him! Praise God!
ReplyDeletePraise God that we can rejoice in Him and His promises despite external circumstances. May his joy shine through us to others. Thanks for the great post & for hosting & God bless!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
May God help us hold on to HIS Light in this dark world. May those who seek, find HIM - the only One that makes any sense, and the only One who offers any hope.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
I love the image of the wise men as searchers. Beautiful. I'll have to think about that for a while.
ReplyDeleteHis promises keep us going during dark times, don't they? What a blessing to have His love!
ReplyDeleteYes, God is the only one who makes sense. When our world spins out of control, He is there to hold us tight. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that God promises that those who search for Him will find Him! We can count on His promises!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I have the Lord to fill that big hole in my heart that only He is able to fill!!! Thanks for the great words and for allowing me to join in each week! HOPE your CHRISTmas is blessed!
ReplyDeleteHe is filling my heart as well...and it's a perfect fit! Blessings to you, Deb!
ReplyDeleteHow I wish there was a big visible star for me to follow on this faith journey - what an exciting journey that must have been for the Magi! Wishing you a blessed Christmas season -
ReplyDeleteI have often wished the same thing...but I am so thankful that as I trust Him, He becomes more and more visible to me! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that even through the struggle, the pain and the uncertainty, He comes to fill my heart with JOY! So thankful. Merry Christmas my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, the joy He gives is possible during even the most challenging situations! I am so thankful!
ReplyDeleteJoin the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)