Who has the privilege of bringing joy to the Savior? His church, his people. But how can we, who find joy in Him, bring joy to Him?

Through our love. We often see it as cold and faint, and yet, to Christ, it is very sweet. Hear His praise of that love in the Song of Solomon: "How fair is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is your love than wine!" See, loving heart, how He delights in you. When you rest your head on His chest, you give Him joy; when you gaze at His all-glorious face with love, you bring Him delight. Our praise, too, gives Him joy—not just the song of our lips, but the deep gratitude of our hearts. Our gifts please Him as well.

He loves when we lay our time, talents, and resources on the altar, not for the value of what we give, but for the motive behind it. The heartfelt offerings of His believers are more precious than riches. Holiness is like frankincense and myrrh to Him. Forgive your enemy, and you bring Christ joy; give to the poor, and He rejoices; help save souls, and you see the fruits of His suffering; proclaim His gospel, and you are a sweet fragrance to Him; lift the cross among the ignorant, and you honour Him.

Even now, you can break the alabaster box and pour the precious oil of joy on His head, just as the woman did whose story is told wherever the gospel is preached. Will you hold back? Will you not fill the air with the myrrh, aloes, and cassia of your heart's praise? Yes, you ivory palaces, you will hear the songs of the believers!