I wonder what emotions you associate with the Magi? Most likely the first things that come to mind are curiosity, wonder, maybe courage? We might also think about fear – fear of Herod, of the danger they might be putting themselves (and Jesus) into.
One detail we often overlook is that one of the primary emotions the Magi experienced was joy. And no wonder! They had travelled on a great journey to get to Bethlehem – probably lasting several weeks, with the heat of the day and the cold of the night, with the danger of bandits and uncertainty of the outcome. I don’t know about you, but I find myself greatly relieved on a journey of a few hours with Google Maps to guide me – imagine their emotions when they finally reach Bethlehem, and find the infant Jesus, the one they’ve given up so much to find. Pure joy!
If the Magi teach us anything, it is that seeking Jesus generates joy. And this might be hard to hear at present, not many of us would claim to be feeling much joy in these anxious times. But this is what the Magi experienced in their journey: v10 ‘when they saw the star [stopping over Bethlehem], they were overjoyed.’ As we reflected in Advent, joy is not necessarily about happiness, but about the sense of being part of something greater than we are, where God’s purposes are being fulfilled and his kingdom is being built.
We find joy in serving Jesus, and others: this could be in practical help, or prayer, or encouragement. Like the Magi we need to keep our eyes peeled: where is your star stopping? What are you being pointed towards? If you find that place, you may find unexpected joy this year. Who knows, you may even find it today!