Advent is a season of joy—a deep, abiding joy that stems not from fleeting emotions but from the knowledge of God's presence and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

This joy is beautifully illustrated in the Psalms, the Gospel of Matthew, and the journey of the Wise Men in the nativity story.

In Psalms 20–27, joy is rooted in trust and deliverance. Psalm 20 proclaims,

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. Psalm 20:5 (NLT)

This joy is not superficial; it comes from seeing God's faithfulness and experiencing His saving power. Psalm 27 reinforces this joy by declaring,

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NLT)

True joy is grounded in knowing that God is with us, even in times of uncertainty.

In Matthew 2, the Wise Men embody joy through their faithful pursuit of the Messiah. They journey from distant lands, guided by a star, to worship the newborn King. Their joy reaches its peak as they find Jesus:

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Matthew 2:10 (NLT)

Their joy was not just in the destination but in the journey—following God's lead with faith and awe.

The significance of the Wise Men lies in their response to God's guidance. They traveled far, trusting a celestial sign, and offered their best gifts to the Christ child. Their journey reminds us that joy often comes when we step out in faith, follow God's leading, and offer Him our hearts.

This Advent, may we embrace the joy that comes from trusting God’s plan, celebrating His presence, and following His guidance—just as the Wise Men did.