Joy Abounds

This powerful Christmas message takes us on an 800-mile journey with the Magi, revealing that true joy is never meant to be hoarded but multiplied through sharing. Drawing from Matthew 2, we discover that these wise men weren't just following a star—they were fulfilling a prophetic promise seeded generations earlier by Daniel during the Babylonian captivity. Their inconvenient journey teaches us that discovering Jesus isn't always comfortable, but it's always worth it. The three gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—weren't random presents but prophetic declarations: Jesus is King, He is God incarnate, and His death would bring our salvation. What's truly transformative is understanding that these pagan astrologers became the first Gentile missionaries, going home 'another way' both literally and spiritually. They came asking 'Where is the king?' but left declaring 'The King has been born!' This Christmas, we're challenged to examine whether our encounter with Jesus has changed our direction and our message. Are we sharing the joy we've discovered, or are we like those high school Christians who kept their faith hidden? Joy that doesn't overflow isn't truly joy—it's just religion without relationship. The call is clear: freely we've received, so freely we must give.