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Friday, December 19, 2014

the cost of christmas



Christmas is one of my favorite holidays not just because of the variety of homemade goodies or family coming from different places, but one reason I love Christmas is because there are so many memories. Memories of time with family members who may not be with us this year or memories of getting “that one gift” I kept pestering my parents to get me.
But one thing that has come to my mind this year, and really in the past few days, is the cost of Christmas. No, not how much you spend on gifts or a Honey Baked Ham, but the true cost of Christmas. The cost of a Holy, Perfect, Righteous Savior coming down to earth. His coming wasn’t in a huge flash of light or even a whirlwind, but He came ever so softly as a humble baby.
Thankfully the Story didn’t stop there. Within His lifespan He gave selflessly. Hegave Hope to the hopeless, He gave Living Water to the thirsty, and He ultimatelygave His life. Before He came that night, He knew the cost. He knew what it would take to ransom His children, so He did what any Father would do, He gaveeverything He had to save them.
So as we gather around our Christmas trees, open presents, and sing wonderful Christmas songs, let us remember the value of why we get to sing and celebrate. There is so much more value in the Christmas season (and every moment in our lives) because Christ made it valuable by laying in the manger that night in Bethlehem and later laying down His life on the Cross.

Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King
He the theme of heaven’s praises
Robed in frail humanity

In our longing, in our darkness
Now the light of life has come
Look to Christ, who condescended,
Took on flesh to ransom us.

Come behold the wondrous mystery
Christ the Lord upon the tree
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory

See the price of our redemption
See the Father’s plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold.

“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” by Matt Papa