The Cost of Christmas

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18-20

Even though most of the world has totally forgotten what Christmas is about, it is still a great time of the year for all who are IN CHRIST as we celebrate Christ’s coming, life, burial, resurrection, and His ascension into glory. We can rejoice that our sins are forgiven that Christ, as our Savior, Lord and King has come and has brought us into the family of God.

Have you ever stopped to consider what Christmas costs in the average American family. We sing “Jingle Bells” now and “Juggle Bills” in January. This year’s figures are based on what Americans spent for Christmas in 2022. Families spent:

Christmas Trees	$86.00
Christmas decorations	$269.00
Christmas Gifts	$869.00
Total:	$1,224.00

This does not include the cost of Christmas events, cards, partying or cooking. Averaged into the total figure are many households that do not celebrate Christmas. For all households in 2022, we spent 890.4 BILLION dollars on Christmas and for the most part, Christ was largely missing from the celebration.

1. It cost our Savior, who left the glories of Heaven to come here and take on the persecution, rebuke, and torture of those who wanted nothing to do with Him. He paid the ultimate price for all our sin on Calvary’s cross. He sacrificed the glory which He had with the Father before our world was ever created. Imagine the cost when God the Father had to turn from His Son when He took on our sins at the cross.
2. It cost Joseph who was put to the test relating to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It cost him much work time, fleeing Nazareth to escape the terror of Herod against our Lord.
3. It cost Mary much scorn from people who accused her of having a child illegitimately, which, of course, was not the case. The cost was even greater when she watched her Son die on Calvary’s cross. (Praise the Lord, she lived on to know that the cost was worth it as she became among the first to be Christians, joining with the apostles in the upper room, awaiting Pentecost. (Acts 1.14)

Consider the stable, the straw, the swaddling clothes — images of poverty all. Then consider the tinsel, toys and the trappings of our celebration and then ask yourself, “What will Christmas cost me this year?”

We do not yet know the cost of persecution as do Christians in many other countries where it is illegal to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many Christians this holiday season will suffer persecution beyond what most of us can imagine. Some believers may well die simply because they chose to follow Christ. For them, it will be a mere steppingstone into eternal bliss.

There is a price to pay for being a Christian, but it can never be compared to the price that Christ paid coming into our world on our behalf. Even today, there is a price to pay for celebrating Christmas. You neighbors, co-workers and sometimes family will not understand and will not include you in their celebrations. Whatever the cost, keep moving forward following Christ and He will turn any sorrow or pain into joy. Use the season for ministering to others and that joy will increase even more.

Christmas Giving Guide

1. Give from a heart out of love, not out of obligation.
2. Be creative and set limits.
3. Choose not to go into debt and use cash where possible.
4. Give essentials.
5. Do not forget to put Jesus Christ on your list!

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The late George Stiekes served in several churches through his ministry. In his later years, he published a daily newsletter he called Reverent Reflections. We draw from his stock of devotions for occasional articles here on Proclaim & Defend.