Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
How much have you spent for Christmas this year? Most of us probably spend a lot more this time of year than we do other times of the year. Maybe we buy things for people we really don’t want to. I’m sure we all have family members that we just buy for because that’s what you do. Gifts cost money. There is a cost to Christmas for sure and sometimes we’re paying for it a long time afterward.
Christmas was a cost to Joseph and Mary. Historically there had been a lull in the taxing and the census but when Caesar Augustus came into power he renewed what had been done by Cyrenius. Joseph and Mary’s lineage was from Bethlehem so that’s where they had to go to from Nazareth. The taxes cost money as did the travel. But the event itself cost them. There was talk about her being pregnant. Joseph put aside himself and trusted God.
Because of the birth of Jesus Christmas cost the wise men quite a bit. The time to travel, maybe as much as two years, would have been expensive. Yet they spent all that time and money to travel as they followed the star expecting to find the King of the Jews. When they found Jesus there was another cost because they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There were costly gifts but they gave them freely.
Christmas was a cost to God. He was sending his son down from heaven. It was all for us. This was a cost to Jesus as well. He left his glory to become one of us and die. Cost? Look at the scars that his death cost him. Has the devil ever spent anything on us? No! He’s done nothing for us. God has done everything!
What is Christmas costing you? Do you put as much effort into it as you should? It’s costly. Have you done your part?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 