Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.  Matthew 2:2

When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. Matthew 2:10 AMP

The dictionary defines the word anticipation as the act of looking forward, especially pleasurable expectation.  During the Christmas season we have many things to look forward to with anticipation.  For our grandchildren that might be anticipation of a visit from Santa and his reindeer, opening wrapped presents from under the tree or hanging their stockings by the fireplace.  For us adults it may be decorating the tree, cherishing family time or just watching the joy on the faces of our loved ones as gifts are exchanged.  Anticipation leads up to something, it points the way for the fulfillment of something waited for and expected.  Oh, what joy we experience when the expected is revealed.

The Wise men in Matthew Chapter two were on a mission to find the one who had been born, King of the Jews.  Their journey had taken them some time, as they traveled, they followed a star that was leading them to the appointed destination. No maps, just a star and their belief in the prophetic foretelling of the birth of the savior.   

Matthew 2:10 in the amplified describes the culmination of their anticipation as being thrilled with ecstatic joy, that is; joy that is overwhelming, elated, giddy with excitement.  Their joy led them to fall on their knees and worship him then open up their treasure bags and present to Him gifts-gold and frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men of old were anticipating the discovery of this long-awaited King, we have been given the joy of discovering Him every day through His word and prayer.  Jesus, willingly was made lower than the angels, born in a lowly manger, lived among us to experience the same temptations as us yet he overcame for us, sinless yet condemned to die for us.  Through him we know the joy of salvation! The freedom of sin and life abundant.  Oh, what a reason we have for ecstatic joy!  There will never be a more personal monumental discovery than when you discover the One, The Great I AM, Emanuel, God with Us, Jesus the Savior of the World.  He is waiting on you today.  Will you seek Him out?  Will you worship Him, will you present to him yourself, a living sacrifice?  He is waiting for YOU.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father I come to you today in the name of Jesus.  Forgive me for when I have put you in second place, I present myself to you as a living sacrifice, I pray that you will make me holy and acceptable to you.  I give you my praise and I exalt you as King and I invite you to be Lord over all my Life.  In Jesus Name, Amen.