December 21 - Matthew 2:10

Hello, Northland. This week we are discussing joy. My devotion relates specifically to Matthew 210. And it says, when they saw the star, they rejoice exceedingly with great joy. It is estimated that the wise men walked anywhere from 500 to 900 miles over the course of multiple months as they sought to meet the newborn king. With that being said, something that brings me great joy does not usually include months of walking 100s of miles on a cross country journey. This track seemed even more daunting concerning the weather and conditions you would face on a journey of that magnitude. Yet the wise men weren't faced. These men were not basing their joy on current circumstances. They're basing their joy on Christ and encountering him. Too often in the busyness of life, especially during the holiday season, we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions. When we fall into this trap, it can become like a roller coaster of emotions taking us all over the place. One minute, life is fantastic as you're enjoying Christmas rituals, like driving around and looking at Christmas lights. Then the next moment you're in dismay as you realize money is going to be tight that year as you try to find a way to pay for your kids' Christmas gifts. The reality is the only true joy we can find in this life is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. As we enter into this Christmas season, we should take a lesson from the wise men, let Christ be the decider of your joy, not the circumstances that you're currently walking through.