"How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts!" - Assorted AuthorsOne of the most common complaints heard at Christmas time is that the holiday is too expensive. But, is it really? I suppose the answer to this question depends on who you are, and how you look at it. We should check out the very first Christmas before making a decision.
Was it too expensive? Let's see...it cost Mary and Joseph their comfortable home to travel to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7). Oh, and we can't forget the angel-directed exile to Egypt to save baby Jesus from a sure death at the hands of Herod (Matthew 2:13).
How about the parents in Bethlehem whose babies were massacred by the wicked Herod (Matthew 2:16)? The shepherds left their flocks behind in order to travel to Bethlehem, so that they might see the newborn Messiah as announced to them by the angel of the Lord (Luke 2:8-20).
How about God? What did Christmas cost Him? It cost Him everything. He gave up His only begotten Son (John 3:16)! What did Christmas cost Jesus? It cost him a life of sacrifice and service, and a vicious, cruel death that is unequaled in history (Matthew 27:32-56).
Therefore, is Christmas too expensive? It is if if doesn't mean hope. Those who know the Christ of Christmas will never be without hope. It is costly if we don't receive and experience God's gift of love (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10).
It's costly if we don't experience the forgiveness of sins. We'd totally miss the true meaning of Christmas if we forgot Jesus' purpose for coming into the world; that was too seek and save the lost (Luke 9:10). It's also expensive if we do not fill our hearts with joy, and let it radiate outward.
We can't forget the cost of not demonstrating peace and goodwill to others. After all, Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill. If we have received God's goodwill, then we will show goodwill toward God and others (Luke 2:14).
Christmas is too costly if we don't share the Good News (Luke 2:11). It is a privilege to share our knowledge of God with those who do not know Him. Make Christmas worthwhile by sharing the Good News.
And finally, Christmas is too expensive if we don't exercise faith. God's faith in man is revealed by the gift of his Son Jesus. Can we doubt that God cares for sinners? Toss aside any uncertainty by reacting with faith in the Lord Jesus always.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 1:46-47; Zechariah 9:9
Prayer: Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! -1 Corinthians 9:15
May God bless you always!
Layne
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