Matthew 2:10-11

Matthew 2:10-11

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Joy permeates Christmas. In the book of Luke, the angel appeared before the shepherds in the fields outside of Bethlehem and said to them, “See, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people.” In Matthew, the magi were overwhelmed with joy upon finally finding Jesus. God’s saving work in Jesus is filled with joy.

I hope your Christmas celebrations were joyful this year. Even during difficult times, the good news that God has come to be with us and will never leave us can inspire deep and profound joy. And joy is an important part of God’s saving work in the world.

Howard Thurman was an African-American born at the turn of the century. Raised by a grandmother who was a former slave, Howard Thurman fought against discrimination his whole life. His writings about race and faith and social change later became influential for Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. Yet amidst the challenges he faced, he offered this advice:

Don't ask so much what the world needs.

Go out and do what makes you come alive,

because what the world needs most

are people who have come alive. 

That seems to me a good definition of joy. People who are joyful have most definitely come alive, and the world is certainly in need of that.

Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy. Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able. Amen.