Jesus. The True Story of Christmas.

"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:)
"To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
"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.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
—Luke 2:4-11

The Remarkably High Cost of Christmas

While the time of year may be off, the reason of the season, Jesus, is very much true. 

He was born and laid in a manger. 

But what did it cost?

• It cost Mary and Joseph the comforts of home during a long period of exile in Egypt to protect Jesus.
• It cost the mothers, in and around Bethlehem, the massacre of their babies by the cruel order of Herod.
• 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 untold suffering and privation to spread the good news.
• It cost Christian martyrs–in all ages–their lives for Christ's sake.

More than all this, it cost God the Father His own Son–for 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.

So let me ask, Is Christmas Too Costly? 

• It is, if all that it means is gift exchanges.
• It is if all it means is tinsel and 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.

The King Who Gave Away Everything

Jesus Christ was born in the poorest of circumstances but the air above was filled with hallelujahs of the heavenly host. His lodging was a cattle pen, but a star drew distinguished visitors from afar to do Him homage and present Him with rich gifts.

His birth was contrary to the laws of life. His death was contrary to the laws of death. No miracle is so inexplicable as His life and teaching.

He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for five thousand and have bread and fish to spare. He walked on the waters, and they supported Him.

His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, but on God's side no lower price than His infinite agony could have made possible our redemption. When He died, only a few men mourned; but a black crepe was hung over the sun. Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath shook under the load. All nature honored Him; sinners alone rejected Him.

He preached His Gospel for only three and one-half years. He wrote no book and had no money back of Him; yet after two thousand years He is the one central character of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the events of the ages revolve, the only Regenerator of the sinful human race.

Was it merely the son of Joseph and Mary who crossed the world's horizon two thousand years ago? Was it merely human blood that was spilled on Calvary's hill for the redemption of sinners and which has worked such wonders in men and nations through the centuries?

What thinking man can keep from exclaiming "My Lord and my God!"
—Keith L. Brooks

Mall Marked Jesus Down

A few years back a nine-inch model of Jesus as a baby appeared in many stores. The doll was "packaged in a straw and satin crib with a picture of the Bethlehem manger and appropriate biblical texts."

But the doll was not a success—people probably felt that to merchandise such a thing was carrying the commercialism of Christmas to a new low—and at least one store, in an effort to unload its supply of the dolls, cut the price rather drastically.

One woman who was comparing prices in various stores excitedly reported to a neighbor, "The mall has marked Jesus Christ down fifty percent."

Strangely enough, this is quite similar to what is happening today. This sounds all too familiar: moral corruption in high places; legalized abortion; prayer taken out of schools and replaced with drugs and guns; displaying manger scenes in public places forbidden; the word blood taken from many hymnals—"too gory"; new Bible versions omitting "virgin" from the Old Testament and "begotten" and "Propitiation" from the New; worldly music in the pulpit on Sunday; preachers who have gone soft; churches catering to the culture—anything to play down Christ, the Bible and the old-time Faith.

Yes, Christ has been marked down drastically—even more than fifty-percent!

So it behooves us who believe in the old-time religion to proclaim it this Christmas with clarity and conviction!
- taken from December 4, 2015 issue of the Sword of the Lord Newspaper

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