Advent
Unwrapping 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!
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 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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21 Comments
Only Jesus can heal our hurting hearts and give us peace and joy! Merry Christmas Joan!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Debbie
You are so right, Debbie! He is the perfect salve for the deepest wound. Blessings to you and Merry Christmas, too!
ReplyDeleteIn His grip, Joan
Love my God-shaped hole! And love unwrapping His joy! Thanks for this, Joan!
ReplyDeleteThe story of the wise man - oh, how I would love to know the whole of it:) We just get a glimpse but what a glimpse. Praying that this Christmas season something awesome will be born in many lost hearts!
ReplyDeleteYes, they are a good example for us, aren't they? To keep searching for Jesus and to rejoice when we find Him! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteI really feel drawn to the Magi this year...and like bluecottonmemory below, I too would love to pull back the curtain of time and see more than a glimpse! The wonder and beauty of it all...and we who share in it all!
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that His light is so easy to find if we do the searching. Thanks for a beautiful reminder Joan.
ReplyDeleteYou've given us a rich feast this morning, Joan. It's so good to meet you, to hear your heart, to see your passion for Jesus right out there on the table!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you, too, Linda! Welcome to my blog! :-) I love your references to a celebratory meal...Jesus invites us to the table to share His bounty with Him! What a blessing to celebrate with Christ this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
I am so thankful, too, Salina! He is ready and willing to welcome us with open arms! Now THAT is reason to celebrate!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
It is fascinating, isn't it? "Those who search for Him will find Him" is just as true today as it was for the Wisemen many years ago! I do wonder what they did following their visit with Christ...did they then become followers of Him? I would think so. One day we'll know! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
So thankful for Jesus, for His light, for His presence in our lives. Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteJoy beyond imagining... yes indeed, and what a gift!! Thanks for linking up today, Joan! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
ReplyDeleteJoan...oh great stuff this JOY we receive from our Savior who loves us so very deeply. I wrote about the wise men last week as well and how much we can learn from them. Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing at WJIM's Monday's Musings. I enjoy having you. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteThere is true joy in the gift of our Savior! I'm rejoicing for all who are seeking and find Him! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that God came to earth in body of a child...to save us all! Now that is true joy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Yes, the Light of Jesus is what I am so thankful for! He is a blessing beyond all else!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Christ is truth and justice. He is the only joy there is.
ReplyDelete*smile*
LOVE
Love develops from adored.
Christ your faith and hope, your Lord, –
truth and justice, girl and boy, –
love is being full of joy.
Joan...love this sentence: "But, unlike the travelers who found Jesus by the light of that star over Bethlehem, they often follow the wrong paths." Unfortunately, I know many people like this. Thanks for reminding us all about the true Hope!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we've all done this to some extent...I'm so thankful for our Savior who so willingly guides us on the right path!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Yes, He is our TRUE joy! No matter what is happening in our lives, nothing can remove the joy of Christ as long as we keep our eyes on Him!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
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