The Joy of Worship

Joy echoes through every stage of the story of the birth of Jesus, beginning with the magi. After following the star for weeks, they were “filled with joy” when it stopped over Bethlehem (Matthew 2:10). That star meant fulfillment: They would be brought into the presence of the great King.

An angel told Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son (John the Baptist), saying, “You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). While Elizabeth was still pregnant, her baby “jumped for joy” as Mary approached them, she being pregnant with the baby Jesus (Luke 1:44).

As an angel told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth, he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10).

People in the world react to the birth of Jesus in many ways—with generosity and benevolence, gifts and parties. But for Believers this is a celebration of joy.

It is a joy that comes from worship, from a heart overwhelmed by the presence of God. This joy only can be experienced through complete surrender to His plan and will—through the kind of commitment that could drive the magi to follow a star for thousands of miles. This is the kind of joy that could fill Mary and Elizabeth, who knew that Jesus’ birth was a supernatural event. This kind of joy was experienced by the shepherds as they were overwhelmed by the glory of God and a choir of angels.

During this Christmas season, remember the importance of worship. Worship can bring you into the presence of God. More than just a ritual or tradition, worship can transform your life. Worship can fill you with joy as you walk in the light of God’s presence!