The wisemen rejoiced when they saw the star because they knew they were close to finding the Messiah, the hope of all mankind. The Bible goes on to tell us in verse 11 that when the wisemen saw the child Jesus they bowed down and worshiped him. They presented him with treasures and gifts.

Sweet friend, much like the wisemen of old rejoiced at the sight of the star knowing that Jesus must be near, a simple truth I’ve come to understand in the past couple of years is that joy, real lasting joy, only comes from the Lord. More specifically, just as the wisemen worshiped Jesus and gave Him gifts, the greatest joy comes from worshiping God and giving Him the gift of our obedience to His word. Jesus explained it like this:

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:9-11

God’s word guides us on the path to all good things. When we are obedient, when we follow Him closely and put loving Him first and loving others next, we find joy beyond measure.

Jesus didn’t tell the rich young man to sell everything he had and take up the cross and follow Him to make the young man miserable; He gave him those directions because He understood that it is only when we deny ourselves and surrender to God’s will that we find peace and joy. Christ knew that the things of this world tear us down spiritually, mentally, and emotionally but that God, God always directs us to that which will build us up.

It is only when we abide in God and He is in us that we are fully whole. It is only in wholeness with Him that we find true and lasting joy.

This Christmas season I pray you will seek the joy that truly lasts, the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord, the joy found in loving God and following His Word.