| Sermon Thought by PKD Lee |
Christmas is a time of rejoicing and celebration that Jesus came to rescue us from our sins. But for this to happen, many had to pay a price, which is often forgotten.
The proclamation of the angel to Mary must have been a shock to her. If what the angel said is true, her reputation would be in tatters, her engagement would be broken by Joseph, and her life would be ruined. Yet, we see her courage in saying “Let it be to me according to Your will”.
Is that our response to God in the circumstances of life?
The proclamation to Joseph would also have been difficult for him. Just as Mary would have feared, Joseph decides to end the engagement. But the angel tells him not to. He would have lost a lot of face or prestige in not breaking the engagement. But he was obedient to the angel and took Mary as his wife.
The couple had to go to Bethlehem when Mary is heavily pregnant. Not an easy journey in those days. They were not rich as seen in the offering offered at Jesus’ birth. Riding a donkey on the long trip would have been difficult. When they reached Bethlehem, there was no room for them and they had to stay with the animals. A cost was paid.
Bethlehem paid a huge cost as all the children between the ages of 0 and 2 were killed by Herod. We all remember Bethlehem, but most of us do not think twice about the cost they paid for the privilege of being the place of birth for Jesus. They paid a cost.
When Jesus is born in our lives, there is a cost. We renounce the world and its evils and live for Jesus. There is a rejection by the world. But as we pay the cost, we experience the blessings of God and His glorious presence with us in our lives. Life becomes an exhilarating adventure with Jesus. Can you say with conviction as Mary does, “Let it be to me according to Your will”?