But as expensive as Christmas has gotten in the 21st century, I wonder what it cost 2,000 years ago?  We begin with the mother to be - a very poor teenager betrothed to a man struggling as an entrepreneur in the carpentry business.  We have an engaged couple required by the government to go to a distant city to pay taxes they probably can ill-afford. And once in Bethlehem, the couple finds no cheap motels available, just a free barn.  And as it turns out, while staying there for nothing, amidst the animals and dirt, the young mother gives birth to a baby boy.  But she does not lay him in a beautiful, hand-crafted basinet, nor a finely made crib, but a feeding troth for animals.  Nor did the baby get wrapped in an expensive silk blanket, but with swaddling clothes.  So far, it appears this is the cheapest Christmas ever!

 

Yet, have we calculated all the costs of that first Christmas?  Someplace millions of light years from earth, a decision was made that would have incalculable costs for that baby boy.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).  And so God the Son gave up His exclusive divinity, His eternal pre-existence, His stature in heaven, and risked everything for humanity.  God became a baby, helpless and dependent, entering this world with one mission - to save you and me from our sins.  And the cost to Jesus - everything, including his willingness to die forever if necessary.  

 

And so as December 25 comes upon us once more, may we never forget the true expense of Christmas and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for you and me!