And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures… Matthew 2:11

the weary part of a testimony is never the ending, is it?

Euphraino is one of the Greek words translated as rejoicing. It specifically means “a created state of joy.” AKA, a celebration. The most familiar use of euphraino is used in the story of the prodigal son. It describes the father’s response to seeing his son return home. He created on an atmosphere of joy having the robe ready, the ring, and killing the fatted calf. It wasn’t an awkward return, at least not for the Father. It was a celebration.

…Both prophecies call for immediate rejoicing, but both have quite a bit of time before their fulfillment. That’s why the posture of the heart is connected to rejoicing…

In this waiting, we have the invitation to live in the promise of his always-presence. I want to take full advantage of that promise. Don’t you?

I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people. Psalm 85:8

Our greatest conflict in life comes as a result of sin. Sin is death. God is only life. To be at peace is to be covered in the only thing that can make us whole and undivided. That’s the blood of Jesus.

In Micah, there is a prophecy about the Messiah that I want to wrap my heart around. It connects three things (at least) for us: The Messiah is from ancient days, he comes in strength, and he is our peace.

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. Luke 2:25-32

Psalm 27:4-7
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

He’s everything my soul ever longed for, everything he’s promised, and so much more….

Who is this King of glory? Psalm 24