The Joy of Christmas

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. — Matthew 2:10

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” (Matthew 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”!

Excerpted with permission from Hope for Each Day Morning and Evening Devotional by Billy Graham, copyright Thomas Nelson.

* * *

Your Turn

Remember that line from How the Grinch Stole Christmas? What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more… Are you feeling overwhelmed by Christmas and all of the “ribbons and tags, packages, boxes, and bags”? Today, let’s focus on Jesus and remember Who we’re celebrating! Let’s experience the real exceedingly great joy! Come join the conversation on our blog. We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily