Dec.20.03: Light For The Day - "The Joy of Christmas" -- Matthew 2:10 "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." --------------------- Every year people write me saying how much they dread Christmas. Often their complaint stems from how busy they will be, or how much money they will spend. Did those wise men who journeyed hundreds of miles across the desert to seek out the infant Jesus ever feel that way? After all, it took months to make the arduous trip, and they had gone to great expense to provide gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the new Child. I doubt it. In fact, as their journey neared its end we read they had "exceedingly great joy." What made the difference? Their focus was totally on Jesus, the One who would be called "Immanuel, ... God with us" (Matt. 1:23). Don't let this Christmas season overwhelm you. Don't feel you have to do everything, or go into debt just to impress other people. Focus instead on Jesus. Take time every day to read the prophecies of His coming, and the wonderful story of His birth.   Make this Christmas one of "exceedingly great joy"! -- Billy Graham ----------------- -- Psalms 105:3  "Glory in His holy name;  Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!" -- Luke 2:10  "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -- Romans 15:13  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy  Spirit."