December 14
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
–Matthew 2:10-11 (HCSB)
They, the magi, who charted the stars and attached religious significance to their movements, were intrigued. Seeing this celestial phenomenon would, of course, spark their interest. Understanding this was a sign of the Messiah’s birth, they promptly traveled to Bethlehem. During their quest, they encountered challenges, such as Herod’s evil scheming and exhaustion from a long, two-year journey. They followed the star as it moved and directed their path to Joseph and Mary’s home. They were overjoyed when their mission was completed and they gazed upon the King of the Jews.
The magi were not the only ones that expressed such joy. At Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:13-14 tells us about a multitude of heavenly hosts, along with an angel, praising God.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth
to people He favors!
If you’ve been a Christian for some time, you understand the breadth of this greatest gift given to mankind. Christ came into the world for you and I. The world, broken by the fall of mankind, had received a Savior that very evening. The spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth was overwhelming. All of creation erupted in euphoric joy.
Along with this spiritual significance, a physical component arose. Jesus became human. He took on our likeness — formed in the womb, born an infant, and matured through each phase of growth. Reading the four gospels gives us evidence of His humanness. Jesus experienced hunger and thirst; He got tired and slept; He was tempted; He had pain and suffering; He had emotions; He had anxiety and was betrayed; and He died.
Last year, I went through a devastating time. My husband was experiencing severe anxiety, so much that he moved out. This was quite a shock and a blow to me. Six months left me so unnerved. I felt shocked, confused, helpless and discarded. Broken. I had no words, but Jesus knew all the emotions within me. I relied on Him totally, because all things were removed from my control. Slowly, with time, in quite amazing and unexpected ways, Jesus showed up. There simply was no other explanation for the outlandish revelations my husband and I both experienced other than Jesus. Each shocking discovery ended, oddly enough, with joy.
–Matthew 2:10-11 (HCSB)
They, the magi, who charted the stars and attached religious significance to their movements, were intrigued. Seeing this celestial phenomenon would, of course, spark their interest. Understanding this was a sign of the Messiah’s birth, they promptly traveled to Bethlehem. During their quest, they encountered challenges, such as Herod’s evil scheming and exhaustion from a long, two-year journey. They followed the star as it moved and directed their path to Joseph and Mary’s home. They were overjoyed when their mission was completed and they gazed upon the King of the Jews.
The magi were not the only ones that expressed such joy. At Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:13-14 tells us about a multitude of heavenly hosts, along with an angel, praising God.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth
to people He favors!
If you’ve been a Christian for some time, you understand the breadth of this greatest gift given to mankind. Christ came into the world for you and I. The world, broken by the fall of mankind, had received a Savior that very evening. The spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth was overwhelming. All of creation erupted in euphoric joy.
Along with this spiritual significance, a physical component arose. Jesus became human. He took on our likeness — formed in the womb, born an infant, and matured through each phase of growth. Reading the four gospels gives us evidence of His humanness. Jesus experienced hunger and thirst; He got tired and slept; He was tempted; He had pain and suffering; He had emotions; He had anxiety and was betrayed; and He died.
Last year, I went through a devastating time. My husband was experiencing severe anxiety, so much that he moved out. This was quite a shock and a blow to me. Six months left me so unnerved. I felt shocked, confused, helpless and discarded. Broken. I had no words, but Jesus knew all the emotions within me. I relied on Him totally, because all things were removed from my control. Slowly, with time, in quite amazing and unexpected ways, Jesus showed up. There simply was no other explanation for the outlandish revelations my husband and I both experienced other than Jesus. Each shocking discovery ended, oddly enough, with joy.
In quite amazing and unexpected ways, Jesus showed up
Do you ever feel unwanted, small, rejected, not enough? Do you strive hard, but lack? Have you had soundless cries, hidden brokenness or deep aching? Jesus did... actually, He can still feel it. He was born human — fully divine and fully human. He is now in heaven sticking up for us (Rom. 8:34). He is pleading for us (1 John 2:1). He is always there to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). He is a mediator for us. (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Cry out to Him in your time of need. You may not even have the words. Be comforted, knowing He gets it, and He knows how you are feeling, even when you can’t figure it out on your own. Jesus will filter joy into your heart if you surrender to Him.
Jesus was born into this world to share our trouble and to defeat the powers that are too strong for us to conquer. His birth had great significance, both spiritually and physically. Now in heaven, ruling over all things today, Jesus sees us, He is with us, He totally understands us. Pause to experience the pure, exuberant JOY that all of creation felt the day our Savior was born. You are favored, just as the angel and heavenly hosts proclaimed.
As a couple, my husband and I will be sharing a Jesus-filled, joyous season together. My wish is the same for you.
Jesus was born into this world to share our trouble and to defeat the powers that are too strong for us to conquer. His birth had great significance, both spiritually and physically. Now in heaven, ruling over all things today, Jesus sees us, He is with us, He totally understands us. Pause to experience the pure, exuberant JOY that all of creation felt the day our Savior was born. You are favored, just as the angel and heavenly hosts proclaimed.
As a couple, my husband and I will be sharing a Jesus-filled, joyous season together. My wish is the same for you.
Joy // Gaze Upon the King | Kim Sheets
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