INTRODUCTION: Christmas is a costly event for most Americans. To buy and purchase gifts, many will go into debt, which is not paid off for months. Though Christmas (or at least its celebration) may be costly to some, think of the cost to God. Jesus was a precious gift. It cost the Father everything – His all – while it cost us only money.  Consider the high cost of Christmas.

1. It cost Himself – “Emmanuel, God with us.” (V.23) This phrase is the first of at least 47 quotations, most of them Messianic, that Matthew alone takes form the Old Testament. This quote is taken from Isaiah 7:14. Jesus is the one predicted by the prophets of Old who fulfilled each and every one. We see Him as the fulfiller of the one predicted in the past. In one week we will celebrate His coming into this world as the fulfiller of all of the promises God had give to His people.

2. It cost humility – “born of a virgin” (v.18) Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married. They had not yet come together. Again, the prophet Isaiah predicted that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. For this to happen, divine intervention would be necessary. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary Jesus entered time and space to be our only redeemer. The specifics of the Old Testament predictions are fulfilled in one person, Jesus of Nazareth. A human being sins against God. Therefore a human would have to live the perfect life under God. Jesus is fully human as He is born like you and me.

3. It cost the cross – “He will save His people form their sin” (V.21) For the Savior to bear our sin, He must enter the fray of human sin and bear it. Thus Jesus took on the burden of our sin. Jesus’ name means “Savior” which is precisely what he will do. He will save His people form their sins. He has taken the burden of your sin and guilt. He suffered all that you might have freedom and life. Thanks be to God who has worked our salvation to complete perfection.

CONCLUSION: Consider the cost of Christmas. Many ponder that statement. The Father spent it all that we might have a most precious gift- forgiveness, life, salvation. Thanks be to God for His most precious gift.