As we begin another blessed Christmas season, perhaps it would be good for us to take a little time from our busy plans for Christmas and meditate on the thoughts expressed in this poem by Martin Cox.
"It cost Mary and Joseph the comforts of home during a long period of exile in Egypt to protect the little Babe.
It cost mothers in and around Bethlehem the massacre of their babies by the cruel order of Herod.
It cost the shepherds the complacency of their shepherds' life with the call to the manger and to tell the good news.
It cost the wise men a long journey and expensive gifts and changed lives.
It cost the early apostles and the Early Church persecution and sometimes death.
It cost missionaries of the Christ untold suffering and privation to spread the good news.
It cost Korean and other Christian martyrs in all ages their lives for Christ's sake.
More than all --
It cost God the Father His own Son -- He sent Him to the earth to save men.
It cost Jesus a life of sacrifice and service, a death cruel and unmatched in history.
Is Christmas too costly?
It is, if all that it means is exchanges of cards and gifts.
It is, if all that it means is tinsel.
It is, if all that it means is the millions spent in commercialization of Christmas.
It is, if all that it means is a holiday.
It isn't too costly --
If it means the hope of the world!
If it means the forgiveness of sin!
If it means peace among men!
If it means joyous singing!"
Does Christmas cost you and me? What shall I give Thee, Master? Not just a part or half of my heart -- I will give All to Thee!!
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