Today's Devotion Wednesday, December 24, 2003 "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10) Today's Thought The Wise Men followed the Star to meet the Christ Child face to face and worship Him. There are far too many "Stars" to be followed today . . . some follow movie stars, some follow sports stars, some even follow "religious" stars! Which "Star" are you following? Are you following the Star of Christ . . . or are you following the Star of Christmas? There's a world of difference between the two. The "Star of Christ" will lead you to Him, just as it led shepherds and Wise Men of old to the place where they could meet Him face to face. The "Star of Christ" is found in the heart of God who is full of Grace toward us who desire a greater measure of Him! The "Star of Christ" is found in the one whose heart is fixed on spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ thoughout the earth, proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, pleace goodwill toward men!" But, we need to beware of the trap laid by the enemy to lure this world into following the "Star of Christmas"! The "Star of Christmas" has its focus on just that . . . Christmas . . . the stores, the shopping, gift-giving, parties, pageants, cantatas, the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness, all that would rob us of our joy! When the Wise Men saw the star, they were filled with "exceeding great joy". If we're not filled with "exceeding great joy" today because of the One whom the Wise Men sought, then we're probably guilty of following the "Star of Christmas" rather than the "Star of Christ". The child of God should celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Christ every day of their life . . . regardless of the "season", regardless of the "holiday"! Celebration of Him should be a lifestyle! Examine your heart today and ask yourself, "Am I following the Star of Christ or the Star of Christmas?" If you are truly honest with yourself, you may be shocked at your answer! Today's Prayer Father, forgive me for allowing myself to be a victim of the enemy's scheme to take the focus off of You and to put it on everything else! Lord, I want to be single-minded when it comes to my relationship with You . . . Help me follow the Star of Christ, the only Star that will lead me to where I can worship You face to face! I love you Lord! Thank you for reminding me that You are the only Star that I worship and adore! Amen! Have a blessed day! Jan Ross rross@... "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2) ***************** A PayPal account has been set up to accept donations. Please click on this link: https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=rross%40columbus.rr.com&item_name=Today%27s+Devotion&item_number=Donation&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD Thank you for your constant encouragement and blessings!