"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" (Matt. 2:10).
Once again we have heard the story of the wise men and their gifts. I see a couple of new things this year.
One is, the verse quoted above is, to my knowledge, the single strongest statement of joy in the New Testament. That's saying something. Richard Lenski explains the cause of this joy: "Not only was God directing them miraculously, they also knew they would soon be in the presence of the King."
And will not that same joy be ours on the way to church, knowing we will soon be in the presence of the risen King of love?
The other is, I have a clearer understanding of this part of the hymn "What Child Is This": "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, peasant, king, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him."
I never saw the two "brings" before. To the one true King who has brought us the Gift of salvation, let us, rich or poor, bring the gift of a throne - our hearts.
Blessed Epiphany!
