The coming of Jesus was not just a moment in history, it sparked lasting joy that reaches into real life. This joy is so much deeper than what holiday music or a stack of presents can offer. In the message “The Coming of Joy,” Richie Brown shares that this kind of happiness is open to every single person. It is not reserved for those who already “have it together.” It stretches to include anyone who has felt left out, those asking questions, or those who have messed up before. As we get closer to the holiday season, with decorations and gatherings everywhere, now is a great time to stop and think about something deeper. What if joy is not something we have to chase after? What if it is already coming your way?
God Reaches Out in Unexpected Ways
The story of the Magi is proof that God uses all sorts of ways to reach people. He does not only speak through perfect sermons or quiet devotionals. Sometimes His message comes through a star, a dream, or even a voice that someone might never expect to hear in a church. These men, called Magi in Matthew’s Gospel, were not insiders. They came from another place, with different beliefs and backgrounds. Even so, God lit up the night sky to catch their attention and welcomed them into one of the most important moments in the Bible, the birth of Jesus.
They did not have the right background or the right upbringing. Yet they were still invited in. That is not just something to read about, it affects us today. God still finds ways to speak that are completely unexpected. He meets us right in the middle of our ordinary lives. Whether you think of yourself as spiritual or not, God is already reaching in your direction. He is not waiting for you to be perfect first. He only asks that you look up for a second and notice Him.
Joy Comes From Seeking, Not Just Knowing
Some of the religious leaders back then knew all the facts about Jesus. They could quote the right Bible verses, point to Bethlehem on a map, and talk about what the ancient signs meant. But none of that made them walk out to see Jesus for themselves. The Magi had less knowledge, but saw one star and set out on a long trip. They were curious. They wanted to find something real, even if they did not have all the answers yet.
That is something important to notice. Knowing facts about Jesus is good, but real joy comes from the search. It shows up when you take a step toward Him, ask questions, or just decide to start a conversation. You do not need a perfect faith or every answer lined up before you move closer. Joy finds its way to those who seek, even in small moments. It is not about keeping still, but about moving forward—sometimes by just a few steps at a time. That movement brings a deeper kind of happiness.
From the weekend services and Kids Ministry to the Young Adults group, there are ways to keep seeking and growing closer to God, whatever your starting place is.
Your Story Can Start Right Now
It is easy to believe that your chance has already passed. That your mistakes or how long it has been since you last prayed mean you are not part of the story anymore. But God is not looking back at who you used to be. He cares about what you are willing to do right now. Like Richie Brown says, “Yesterday ended last night.” Whatever happened before, today is a fresh start.
There is no need to match your story to anyone else. God is not asking for a perfect version of you before allowing you in. Where you are right now is the only place He needs you to be. That is where real joy can show up. From the most regular day, your story can begin again. The Magi were not from the inner circle, but they found a place in the story. So can you.
How God Speaks to You Today
God’s way of communicating has not stopped. Even now, people feel His voice in quiet thoughts, a sense of direction, a comforting friend, or a line in Scripture that suddenly makes sense. Sometimes, it is a dream or a sudden idea that sticks with you all day. God has a way of speaking that fits just right with each person.
The real trick is to leave a little space to listen. Maybe that means sitting quietly before the world wakes up, or praying out loud while running errands. Sometimes it means being around others who are also trying to listen. There is not one right way. What matters is that His message is often personal, unique each time. When you start to recognize it, you find calm in the noise, direction where things once felt scattered, and a new peace in your choices.
Amarillo Fellowship Church offers small groups where you can find conversations and community to help you hear God’s voice in the middle of busy life.
A Fresh Joy for This Season
As winter days get shorter and the holiday hustle kicks in, the pace can make people feel hurried or even lost. Extra events, endless errands, and high expectations fill up every minute. Beneath the excitement, there can be moments of loneliness or stress for many people. With so much going on, the main point of the season can get a little blurry.
This is exactly why the joy Jesus offers stands out. It cannot be boxed up with a gift or attached to perfect plans. This kind of happiness settles in whenever you let God get close. Even a simple, honest prayer in the morning can pour a bit of peace into a busy, complicated season. Joy does not have to wait until things are just right. It starts as soon as you open the door for it, exactly as your life looks right now.
Joy Is Worth the Journey
The Magi’s trip was not quick or convenient, and they took it step by step, following a single star. Even when things felt confusing or they were not sure what waited up ahead, they kept going. They just believed something good was waiting if they kept moving.
God still invites everyone to take those steps. He is always giving hints and moments to make us stop and look up. Maybe for you, it is a line in a Sunday message that sticks around, or a gentle feeling that you are ready for a change. There is time to pause and pay attention to the signs that quietly point you home. That joy you seek is not the quick kind that disappears after the last decoration gets packed away. This is the kind that lasts, and it is always worth going after.
Let the Signs Lead You Closer
Picture those Magi, still searching, still watching the sky, still moving. That tells us joy is not about standing still or waiting until everything is perfect. It is about staying willing to move toward the One who wants to meet you, just as you are.
Do not just sit back and admire from a distance. There is a new step you can take today, a new start waiting for you, right here and right now. This could be the season when the light you follow leads you somewhere completely new.
Joy deepens when we seek Jesus together, and at Amarillo Fellowship Church, we’re all about growing in faith side by side. Whether you’re just starting or starting again, we’re here to walk with you, worship with you, and keep asking the big questions. We’d love to see you this Sunday or help you plug into a group that’s right for you. Find out how to get connected with our Amarillo Fellowship Church and experience what community at a church in Amarillo can truly be.