“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:10 (NIV)

I wiped the smeared icing off the tabletop, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

“What’s the point?” I sighed, brushing away tears, leaving a sugar streak on my cheek. “Why even try?” I swiped the collapsed gingerbread walls and sticky gumdrops into the bin, scrapping yet another failed Pinterest project.

How do we fight so hard to create fun holiday memories, only to feel like failures? We imagine these weeks playing out like the script of a Hallmark movie: beautiful family moments set to cheerful tunes. But reality crashes into those daydreams, leaving us disgruntled and weary.

Instead of laughter and cherished moments … chaos and wailing.
Instead of a fun romp through the tree farm … frozen toes and hungry complaining.
Instead of perfectly frosted sugar cookies … burnt edges and runny royal icing.
Instead of peaceful family gatherings … harsh words and hurt feelings.

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. So how do we evict the Grinch-like grumpiness and Charlie Brown sadness to recapture the joy of Christmas?

I’m encouraged by the story of the wise men preserved for us in Scripture. As they followed a shining star for hundreds of miles, looking for Jesus, they stopped by King Herod's Jerusalem palace.

But King Herod had to tell them Jesus wasn't there — He was in Bethlehem. “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:9-10, NIV).

Overjoyed.

That word gives me pause. When the wise men saw the star, the ESV Bible says “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10).

That is what I want for us this Christmas season: to recalibrate our holiday disorientation and set our sights on the shining Light of the world. Then we’ll rejoice with jubilation and celebration — as the Magi did so long ago.

I offer this prayer for Christmas joy as a simple path to turn our attention back to King Jesus. May you find its words guiding you into His presence again and again:

Lord, how creative You are to use even the stars above to guide people into Your presence! Draw us close to Yourself by any means this Christmas season. Turn our disappointments into prompts for prayer and our festive celebrations into channels of adoration.

You alone bring true joy to the world, so help us slow down, quiet our hearts, and fix our eyes on You, Jesus — the Light that shines brighter than any star. As the wise men were filled with great joy, fill us up to overflow with the wonder of Your birth, Jesus.

Restore the sparkle to our eyes and the joy of salvation to our hearts as we seek You, today and every day. You alone are worthy of all our adoration, and we worship You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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ENGAGE

Download a free printable of today’s prayer from Asheritah Ciuciu: “A Prayer for Christmas Joy.” 

Want more guided prayers for joy this Christmas? Listen to Asheritah’s Prayers of REST podcast. In these 10-minute audio episodes, Asheritah will gently guide you in praying God’s Word and resting in His loving presence, so it’s perfect for Christian women on the go.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 2:9-11, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord’” (NIV).

The angel’s announcement promised “great joy” at the birth of our Savior (Luke 2:10). Think back on a Christmas memory when you experienced this great joy. What helps you enter into a heart posture of celebration and rejoicing? What makes it hard to do so? How can you create more space for joyful moments with Jesus this season?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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