On Epiphany the wise men found what they were looking for: Jesus the Messiah. Do you remember how they reacted? They were thrilled with ecstatic joy. And that joy is not reserved only for the rich or famous. It is available for anyone who follows Jesus.

When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11, AMP)

And what did they do when they met Jesus? They worshiped Him. And they gave him their best. Not the things they could spare. They presented Jesus the best of what they had. Most of us don’t have gold and frankincense and myrrh to give. But we can give our best:
our heart,
our time,
our devotion.

I am the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness. (John 8:12, VOICE)

When we give our best to God, we will not be left out in the cold. We are invited into light. And there will be no power outages.

The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.
(John 1:5, NLT)

This light nourishes, gives life, and endures forever. This light shows the way and leads into life everlasting anyone and everyone who follows Jesus.

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. (Col.1:27, NLT)

The joy of Christmas is really meant to everyone. Epiphany urges us to get the word out to the whole wide world: The light of life is among us! Rejoice and be glad!

When Jesus lives in us, we are charged to glow in the darkness. We are called to give God our best. And receive joy upon joy while doing it.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for the Light!
We so need you.
Without light there is no life.
Without you we have nothing.
Come and shine into our souls.
Change what needs to be changed.
Come and live in our hearts.
Nourish us, equip us, empower us:
let our joy spill over to the world,
let us glow in the darkness,
let the whole world know you!
in Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What are you giving to Jesus? What is Jesus asking you to do?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, and thrilled with joy as you follow Jesus!

Photo courtesy of Paul Burger. Linking up today with Sharing His Beauty, Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday, Playdates with God, and counting blessings with Ann Voskamp:  #1079 Jesus is the light of the world. #1080 Nothing can extinguish the light of hope we find in Jesus.