Day 2 (12 Dec): Exceedingly with great joy

¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

My child responded with doubt when we told him of our holiday plans. Instead of jumping for joy at the idea of going away for the holidays, he questioned the location and asked why we chose this place and not another place.

Sometimes what we believe to be good news can receive responses from others that may be underwhelming or disappointing.

Now, the Jews had always been waiting for the Messiah, the Christ. Yet when the wise men of the East came with good news of this newborn king of the Jews, Herod, who was the Roman appointed king of Judea, responded differently from what they expected. Rather than anticipating the birth of Jesus with great joy, Herod sought to secretly find the child and destroy him (Matthew 2:13).

The right response came unexpectedly from the wise men of the East, who had travelled a great distance following the star. And “when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10).

These wise men continued to follow God’s guidance for some time, being guided by the star all the way to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and worshipped Him.

As we look ahead to Christmas, let us take time to remember how the Lord has led us in our search of Christ. Let us continue to rejoice exceedingly with great joy because we have found not only the king of the Jews, but the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

Prayer:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, as the wise men rejoiced in the first coming of Christ, may we rejoice with great hope in the knowledge and assurance of Christ’s second coming. This Christmas, help us to share about the good news of Jesus Christ. We also pray for a good response to our sharing.

Rev Jordan Tan

Ang Mo Kio Presbyterian Church