“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)

The wise men had been waiting for a sign, and they saw the star. They were probably excited and maybe nervous to see where it was leading. When they saw the Messiah wrapped in cloths, they were in awe.

The wise men were full of joy in seeing this miracle. Though we were not there and have not seen Christ in the flesh, there are still many other little and big miracles we can take joy in. At CEPAD, we are joyful because God has given us this ministry – we get to take part in building His kingdom on Earth, and we get to do that with YOU.

When we see how rural communities are experiencing transformation through farming, economic development, and leadership training, we celebrate with them and take joy in how God has been at work. We worship Him and bring what we have as an offering to God.

In what ways are you joyful today? We invite you to reflect on whatever that is, thanking and praising God for His work.