What Christmas Cost Christ

After Christmas, we count the cost
Of meals and gifts and wrapping;
Find ourselves surprised,
Caught in a sense napping.
How could we have spent so much?
We ask ourselves, aghast,
Given that most will not last.
We sing carols, of course,
Read apt Scripture passages,
Clean up after opening presents,
Not usually considering
What Christmas cost Christ.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbling Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (2:5-8).

Anticipation, or more reasons to be thankful

This day is between the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have fond memories of the one and even grater expectations of the other. When I was a great deal younger, the anticipation was of the gifts and the meals and time with those we didn't see often. Now the anticipation is celebrating the Gift of eternal life, the Meal in Communion, and the eventual reunion with those who have gone before.
I am thankful that Christmas is the beginning of Easter, and Easter of the Ascension, and the Ascension of the Return.
Just as Christ came in the fullness of time as a baby under the rule of others, so He will return in the fullness of time, revealed as Sovereign Ruler over all.
Even so, come!