No Greater Joy Than This

During Advent, we’re surrounded by nativity scenes everywhere we look. We see Mary and Joseph, shepherds, a few barn animals, and the three wise men all gathered around baby Jesus. And right in the middle is the newborn Christ—perfectly awake, peaceful, and still. (Which, let’s be honest, is not exactly how most newborns operate!)

The truth is, we’ve added a bit of commercial shine to the story of Jesus’ birth over the years. Even our understanding of the wise men—referred to in Scripture as the Magi—has gotten mixed in with tradition. The Magi probably didn’t arrive until Jesus was a toddler. The Bible doesn’t say there were three of them. And they certainly weren’t kings wearing jeweled crowns.

The word magos comes from the Mede language and simply means “spiritual advisors” or “priests.” These were wealthy, educated, influential priestly figures from the East—likely Persia—who would have traveled with a full entourage for safety and honor.

And yet, despite all their wealth, knowledge, and influence, nothing they had ever encountered compared to meeting Jesus. Matthew tells us that when they saw the star and finally found Him, “they rejoiced with a great joy exceedingly.” (Matthew 2:10) In other words, they were ecstatic—the kind of joy that bubbles over and can’t be contained.

We long for that kind of joy too, don’t we? But so often, we look for it in all the wrong places—thrilling experiences, new relationships, career wins, financial comfort, fitness goals. We chase and chase, hoping something will finally satisfy us. But unlike the Magi, all our striving tends to leave us with momentary happiness rather than lasting joy.

Matthew 2 reminds us where real joy comes from: being with Jesus and following His ways.

Sometimes, though, we carry this false picture of what a life with Jesus looks like. We imagine it as restrictive, boring, or weighed down with rules—like following Jesus means giving up fun and settling for a less exciting life, with heaven as the eventual consolation prize.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

There is no greater joy in this life than knowing Jesus. As C.S. Lewis famously said, “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

Walking with Jesus leads us into a joy that overflows—not because life becomes easy, but because He is with us in all of it. He never promised a trouble-free life, but He did promise joy to those who follow Him.

So this Advent season, let’s walk closely with Jesus. Let’s give Him full access to our hearts and lives. And as we do, let’s experience the deep, overwhelming joy that comes from knowing Him and living in His ways.

🌟 Have you downloaded your FREE Seek First Advent Bible Reading Plan: Prepare Him Room? Click here to sign up, and use your Seek First Journal to record what God reveals to you along the way.  🌟

Scriptures to spark joy this Advent:

🌟 Prophecies of Joy

Isaiah 35:10 (NIV)
“And those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Isaiah 51:11 (NIV)
“Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads…”

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
“The LORD your God is with you… He will take great delight in you… He will rejoice over you with singing.”

✨ Joy in Jesus' Arrival

Luke 2:10 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

Matthew 2:10 (NIV)
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Luke 1:44 (NIV)
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”

🔥 Joy in Salvation

Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Isaiah 12:3 (NIV)
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

1 Peter 1:8–9 (NIV)
“…you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

🌿 Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Romans 14:17 (NIV)
“…the kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

💛 Joy in God’s Presence

Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…”

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
“…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

🌅 Joy Through Trials & Perseverance

James 1:2 (NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”

Romans 5:3–4 (NIV)
“…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross…”

🎉 Joy as Our Response to God

Psalm 98:4 (NIV)
“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”