As I reviewed Biblical passages recounting the Christmas story recently, I was struck by the word “overjoyed.” The angels in Luke’s Gospel promise “great joy,” but no one is described as “overjoyed” until the Magi begin moving across the second chapter of Matthew.

Some translations say the Magi “rejoiced,” while others insist they were “overwhelmed with joy” or “filled with joy.” One version uses “overjoyed beyond measure.”

The star led them on this long, demanding journey to find the Savior, but for a day they took their eyes off the star. They asked people in the city to direct them to the new king. They talked with Herod, who consulted his chief priests, but no one could help them.

We can imagine they were weary from travel. We can imagine doubt rising as no one in Jerusalem was familiar with the new king. Was there a new king?

But, as they lifted their eyes again…
“…the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (NIV)

“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” (NRSV)

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure.” (HCSB)

Haven’t many of us had similar experiences? We’re challenged. We’re struggling. We’re hurting. We look to ourselves for answers. We look to others for answers. We run. We hide. We quit. We ache. We agonize. But, as we lift our eyes again, there He is, waiting with the Light and Love that leads to peace and patience and healing and joy beyond measure.

As our 2021 Advent season launches and advances, let’s ask God for more stars and more Light and more overwhelming joy. Let’s ask for ourselves, for the ones we love, for the ones we know are struggling, for church family, for neighbors, for co-workers and classmates, for people we once knew, for people we see but haven’t met yet.

At our sunset prayer on December 5, at around 4:55 pm, from wherever you are, with whomever wants to join, let’s each ask God to provide a Christmas star for someone who needs some of the good news and great joy He provides for all people.

Please consider joining me each day through Christmas, at sunset or at any time, in adding another name to the star list. Lord, let these people find you. Lord, let them see you again. Lord, draw them closer to you.

And, if we have the courage, we can ask to Him to use us as stars in this year’s Christmas story. Lord, show us how and where and when to share and connect and reflect your light in ways that draw others closer to you.

Lord, let us this year lift our eyes again and, through seeking and finding and sharing your Light, be overjoyed beyond measure. Amen.

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