At the bank this morning the teller and I exchanged a few words about the Christmas season. We acknowledged that it is not only the “most wonderful time of the year” but the most expensive as well.
Thinking later about our conversation, it occurred to me that this was a very expensive season for God as well; He sent His Son into the world knowing the outcome of His arrival would ultimately end in death. That was God’s extravagant gift to us for our salvation. This is the lavish, reckless love of God. He willfully and with unconditional favor toward mankind placed His divine Son in a cradle, in enemy territory, fully aware that the cross would be the conclusion. Jesus’ glory and holiness in the cradle would, by His life’s end, be exchanged for our shame and guilt. As the old hymn says, “What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul.” (What Wondrous Love is This, William Walker).
This was the goodwill the angels proclaimed. They rejoiced at His birth, knowing that the curse of sin and death would be lifted from the world. God in Christ had made visible His everlasting love toward humanity and He bore the cost of that love.
As Charles Wesley wrote, “Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the new born king, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled!’” As you tally your Christmas expenses, ponder also the expense this season was to God.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2
Thank you God in Jesus precious name. Amen