Let There Be Joy - Day 19

Let There Be Joy
Written By Carol McLeod

Academic Weirdo’s!

The Magi specialized in astronomy, the study of the stars.  These learned, cerebral men were not Jews but they were pagan astrologers from the East.  Today we would term these wise men “diviners” or “magicians”.  They were wise in the way of secular science.  They are probably the types of people that you and I would stay away from today.  Perhaps, in the 21st. Century, we would call them “humanists ... “the left side of academia” ... “weirdos”.  Quite frankly … these wealthy, esteemed men were little more than academic nuts!

These magic men came to King Herod asking where they could find the new king because it was their ultimate plan to worship and revere Him Who was born King of the Jews.

King Herod was perturbed at this news and gathered the scribes and priests to figure out where the Messiah was to be born.  These leading church scholars of the day were able to quote to King Herod a prophetic word from Micah that confirmed that the heaven sent Ruler would be born in Bethlehem.

King Herod then called for a second meeting with the Magi and sent them to Bethlehem, telling them to let him know when the Messiah was found because, he, too, desired to come and worship this new born King.

Now the question that should be asked at this juncture in this historical account is this one, “Was King Herod actually going to worship Jesus?” And the answer should be an emphatic, “Absolutely not!”

King Herod was plotting to kill the Baby who had come to bring peace on earth!  The worship of King Herod was mere lip service.  His heart had no intent of worshiping the Christ Child although his mouth construed a thoughtless and irreverent lie with the desire of manipulating the plans of the Magi.

What is your plan this Christmas?  Will you only give him your lip service?  Will you say that He is Lord while acting quite a different way?  Christmas is a time when the motives of our hearts are laid bare. 

Will you worship Him with only your mouth ... or will your heart and your life join in the high praise that He deserves?  Only you can determine this type of worship. 

You choose whether to worship Him with lip service alone or bring to Jesus, the Baby in the manger, the worship that is accompanied by a lifetime of loving actions.

Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:1-8

Let There Be Joy In Me:

Do you have anyone in your who does not believe of refuses to believe in Jesus?  What gift could you give to them this year that demonstrates your true love for them?

What does it mean to worship the King?  Does worship always involve singing?  If not, what are some other ways that you can worship the Christ Child this Christmas season?

HDonateello, World!

If this devotional has been an encouragement to you, would you consider giving a year-end gift to Just Joy! Ministries this Christmas season?

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Carol McLeod
Carol says, “I am just a girl who is head over heels in love with Jesus ... passionately addicted to His Word ... and find all of the joy that I need in time spent in His presence." Carol is a Christmas-aholic, loves ACC basketball and the beach! Like all menopausal women, she is overly fond of chocolate and enjoys a good read. She doesn't like cleaning her house and is an expert in carry-out dinners. She hates to shop … loves to jog … and somehow finds time in her busy life to hang out with small children. She is the kind of woman that you could laugh with over lunch, cry with over disappointment and shout with over a victory! But … if you need her official bio … read on! Carol is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. She also hosts highly successful Just Joy! outreaches. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN.  A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers.  Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain.  She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY.  Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren! Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN.  A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers.  Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain.  She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY.  Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren!
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Let There Be Joy - Day 20
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Let There Be Joy - Day 18