Christmas is a time of rejoicing and celebration, as we remember that Jesus came to rescue us from our sins. But for this to happen, many had to pay a price, a price that is often forgotten.
The angel’s proclamation to Mary must have been a shock to her. If what the angel said were true, her reputation would be in tatters, her engagement to Joseph would be broken, and her life would be ruined. Yet, we see her courage in responding, “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 had feared, Joseph initially decided to end the engagement. However, the angel instructed him not to. By choosing not to break the engagement, Joseph risked losing much of his reputation or prestige. Yet, he remained obedient to the angel and took Mary as his wife.
The couple had to travel to Bethlehem while Mary was heavily pregnant—not an easy journey in those days. They were not wealthy, as seen in their offering of birds instead of a lamb at Jesus’ birth. So, they would have had to manage on their own. Riding a donkey on such a long trip would have been particularly difficult for Mary. 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 consider the cost they paid for the privilege of being the birthplace of Jesus. We remember Bethlehem, but not the other small towns and villages in Israel where Jesus was born. For this privilege, they paid a great cost.
When Jesus is born in our lives there is a cost, we renounce the world and its evils and live for Jesus. There often leads to rejection by the world, as they reject our values. But as we pay the cost, we experience the blessings of God and His glorious presence in our lives. Life becomes an exhilarating adventure with Jesus as we stop living for ourselves and live for Jesus and His kingdom.
Can you say with Mary, “Let it be according to Your will”?
– P K D Lee