“They were overjoyed at seeing the star.” – Matthew 2:10
What does it mean to be “overjoyed?” It strikes me that in the King James translation when the magi saw the start they were so filled with joy that St. Matthew emphasized it twice: “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (KJV). The Greek words used here are chairo (rejoice) and chara (joy). To rejoice means to feel or show great joy or delight. Interestingly, another definition says to rejoice means to be well and thrive. This tells me that rejoicing is part of living the abundant life that Christ came to bring us (John 10:10). To live with abundance then is to rejoice exceedingly in our God.
In our first reading for this Sunday, Isaiah tells the people that when the Messiah comes the people of Israel will be overjoyed: “you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow” (Isaiah 60:5). In both of these readings, the people are to be overjoyed at the light that is brought by the Messiah. The magi were made joyful by the Christmas star and the Israelites by the glory of the Lord: “Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
We are still in the Christmas season. Our hearts are meant to be “overjoyed” at the coming of Christ. Not in a fake, surface-level happiness. But rather in a deep, penetrating joy of the knowledge that God Himself sent His Son to save us and be with us “always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This is the true joy of Christmas that all the lights and beauty are meant to point us to: the joy of the Lord that is planted deep in our hearts. Consider taking some time this week to consider how the darkness is always overcome by light; that joy can supplant any darkness that has taken root there (John 1:5).
Jesus, you are the Light of the World (John 8:12). Be my light in all circumstances, and most especially when I am walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). Gladden my heart so that I rejoice in You with exceeding great joy.