The Joy of Discovery

My children enjoyed making Christmas presents for each other. Especially when they were younger, a big part of our family celebration involved exchanging food containers repurposed into Matchbox car garages, doll beds, and other treasures. As those gifts were opened, we eagerly anticipated the joy of discovering what each child had crafted and given to the others. 

Like the Wise Men in Mt 2:1-12, the shepherds who learned about the Savior’s birth experienced a “joy of discovery.” That kind of joy can lead people to look expectantly at what God has done and to wonder what God will do next. 

The joy of discovery led the shepherds to respond to the angel's message by saying to one another, “Let's go and see this thing that the Lord has told us about.” They were eager to look for more signs of God's work. They “hurried off” to find the Christ Child just as the Lord had said they would. 

What have you discovered God doing in your life lately? How can you foster an eager expectation that leads you to say, “I wonder what God will do next”? 

Discovering God's work involves seeking the glory of God in unexpected places—even to a baby laying in a manger because there was no room available in the Inn. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for surprising us with your goodness and mercy daily in so many unexpected ways. May we eagerly respond by seeking Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Amen.