The third candle in advent symbolizes Joy.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” -Matthew 2:1-2/NLT

Wise men traveled from the east, possibly for months before arriving to King Herod’s palace to inquire about this Christ child they had been studying for a long time.

I heard a minister say that had they been so wise, they may not have asked the wiley King Herod where this king of the Jews was being born.

I am not sure why they asked King Herod other than a king usually has a lot more intel than the local people do. But one thing I am understanding. Wise men who were not Jewish knew of a coming savior by studying the stars and heeding the Holy Spirit’s leaning to worship the One who would bring salvation to all men.

Not being a scholar, I am not sure if their own literature contained such prophecies, but maybe one of my readers can educate me.

What I do believe is that wise men, the number we are not sure of, were kings of sort in their day. Men whom others consulted for wisdom were now bending the knee joyfully to a baby born humbly among animals for the lack of room in a regular inn.

I wonder how it changed their lives when they returned to their countries.

But I do know that the joy God was bringing into a dark world would forever change history and mankind forever.

Listening to Christmas music, it is amazing how many songs glorify God, even some cute songs. This Christ child for sure ushered in a holy season at the end of each year for humanity called Christmas.

Though there is a lot of commercialism, there is so much focusing on the right sentiment. There are hearts turning to Christ during this season simply because songs and sermons elevate the importance of the salvation that the Christ child has brought to humanity.

Joy is multiplied when shared with those we love and those with whom we may need to reconcile. It’s the spiritual glue that holds humanity together. You never know, but you may be healing another’s wound in the process.

In a sense, humanity bends the knee at this time of year to the One Who Is King and beckons those in His church to remember this special time when God put on skin and chose to walk among us to bring us utter joy now and forevermore.

Amazing!