Dear conqueror in Christ:
How wonderful to challenge you to experience the Lord’s promise of an “exceeding great joy” for your life. Isaiah made that promise when he prophesied the dispelling of gloom for those living in distress. For the Lord had “enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest” (Isaiah 9:3). We witness the fulfillment of this prophecy when magi, coming from the East, rejoiced at the sight of a supernatural star. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Mt 2:10). Be assured that you can acquire and maintain this extraordinary joy. Let’s see how!
The magi did three things that can nurture our daily joy. First they worshipped the new born king: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him” (Mt 2:11). Commit yourself to worship the Lord, for he is the source and sustainer of your joy. Secondly, they gave. Remember that giving nurtures joy. “When they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mat 2:11). Give the Lord not only your life but also your time and resources. Keep in mind that the joy of giving is the greatest joy of life. Finally they found a new way: “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another way.” (Mat 2:12). Let Christ’s exceeding great joy be actualized in you day in and at out and you will experience the zest of life.
Excelsior
Bishop Leon