JOYFUL JOURNEY
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the Child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11 (NLT)
The journey of the Magi to see the newborn King is a remarkable story of hope, determination and joyful worship. Guided by a star, they traveled from afar, driven by the promise of a Savior. These wise men set out on a journey that was undoubtedly filled with challenges and uncertainties, yet their hearts were filled with anticipation. When they finally arrived and beheld the child Jesus, their joy overflowed, prompting them to worship Him and offer gifts.
The joyful journey of the Magi serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of Christ is a journey worth taking. They recognized the significance of what they had found—not merely a child, but the King of Kings. Their act of worship and the gifts they presented highlight the appropriate response to encountering Christ. Each gift—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolizes aspects of Christ’s identity: gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh for His future sacrifice.
The beloved hymn We Three Kings captures the essence of this journey, celebrating the gifts brought to Jesus: Bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. It reminds us that our journey toward Christ is one filled with purpose and joy, inviting us to give our best in response to His greatness.
As we reflect on our own journeys, we must consider how we are responding to the Christ child. Are we filled with joy and anticipation as we seek Him? The Christmas season is a beautiful opportunity to realign our hearts and prioritize our pursuit of Christ amidst the chaos of holiday preparations.
APPLICATION: This week, take time to reflect on your personal journey toward Christ. What has motivated you to seek Him, and what gifts can you offer Him in worship? Perhaps you can give Him the gift of your time—setting aside moments for prayer, Scripture reading, or quiet reflection. You might also consider the gifts of service and love, reaching out to those in need during this season. Additionally, consider sharing your journey with someone who may be seeking encouragement. As you engage in this joyful journey, let it inspire not only your heart but also the hearts of those around you.
PRAYER: God, I thank You for Your faithfulness toward me, even when I have not been faithful to You. I pray that as this year comes to a close and another begins that I would live out of the wellspring of joy that comes from relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?