Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels: A 5-Day Plan to Focus Your Heart for ChristmasSample

With Exceeding Joy

And behold, the star that they had seen when it

rose went before them until it came to rest over

the place where the child was. When they saw

the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Matthew 2:9–10 esv

We often think of the story of the wise men as one of rejoicing and adoration. And it is that. But what’s often missed is that these men had been sent by King Herod with a lie—that he also wanted to worship this King of the Jews. But Herod’s ultimate plan was to find the baby and end His life.

So the wise men traveled many miles, for several years, following a burning beacon leading them to the crib of the Messiah. And when they reached his home, they worshipped Him. They brought gifts and bowed before the prophesied King, standing alongside a baby who gave them every reason to rejoice.

Just before the wise men carried out their mission to alert Herod, an angel of the Lord warned them not to so that Herod couldn’t carry out his evil plan. Can you imagine the shock the magi must have felt when they learned that the mission they had been sent on was a lie? And yet they had been given the opportunity to worship the newborn King—and to heed the angel’s instruction so that He would be safe from King Herod.

In what ways can you recognize the Messiah as you go about your days in this season? Are you following the star, seeking Him out, searching for the King who takes away the sin of the world? Especially during Advent, when the weight of the world may feel heavy as we long for our Savior, we can take moments to encounter Jesus, who has the power to replace our cares with joy.

When you’re overcome this season, kneel toward Bethlehem, even for just a moment, and seize the great joy that the Savior brings.

Dear Lord,

Fill me up with Your complete joy today. I cannot imagine traveling all those weary miles in search of the Savior of the world so many years ago, having my plans be interrupted, then turning and trusting. Today, I delight in the fact that You are my Savior and that You are right here with me. Even if my life gets interrupted suddenly, I can turn and trust You, rejoicing in all things today and forever!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.