Read Matthew 2:9-11 and 1 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
“When they [the wise men] saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew layers and stacks word on top of word to describe the wise men’s response.
Rejoiced—different word than with Mary. A leaning towards. A hailing to a King.
Exceedingly—bursting at the seams, everything-you-got joy.
Great Joy—mega joy again.
These star followers have been guided by this luminary for at least two years, and it brings them to Jesus—the king they sought to honor and worship, not out of duty or obligation, but out of joy.
Notice something—these star followers hadn’t even SEEN JESUS yet, and they were full of belief and joy. Inexpressible joy.
If this kind of joy is not present or is just faintly visible in your life, you are missing something essential to your faith. Ask for it.