JOY – Episode 1 – The Maji and The Christ Child
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).
It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?
When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?
This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’, (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.
Read with me, over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.
“After hearing the king, the maji went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found.
“When the maji saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
“And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh”. (Matthew 2:10-11).
What was the source of JOY for these maji? Was it the star? Was it where the star came to a stop? Or was it because of the Christ Child?
When the maji saw the star, they knew. They knew the prophecy was true. These magi came from the east, and when they had arrived in Jerusalem they said, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
They were filled with ‘chara’. The grace of God was being manifest through the birth of His Son, the promised savior of the world! God was extending His favor, leaning toward the earth, as He was favorably disposed to extend His grace to all humankind. And as the maji recognized and became aware of God’s grace and favor, they were filled with an inexpressible joy!
Where do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune? Or is it through recognizing and becoming aware of God’s grace toward you, having granted you a savior?
May we fall down and worship Him as we find joy, today!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
NEXT: JOY – Episode 2 – Matthew 13:20 – “The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy”.
(Please bookmark or subscribe for future episodes).
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