Brenda’s Blog – December 13, 2022
“Joy costs – there is nothing free.”
My son-in-law and I were laughing about the “privilege” of material ownership. He and my daughter had just completed winterizing their boat and undergoing regular maintenance. “But just remember all the happy hours you spend riding on the lake with friends,” I said with my positive voice.
He quickly and wise responded, “Joy costs… there is nothing free.” Yes, indeed.
Marketing and advertising textbooks tell us the word “Free” grabs attention faster than any others. This was true decades ago when I was in college and is still true today. Think of the way it is used and draws us in, grabbing us, even if just briefly. It got “eyeballs!”
But when we read the small print carefully we realize there is always a catch.
We talk about the gift of salvation is free, don’t we? We talk about grace as receiving something which is undeserved. But on closer examination we see that without a doubt – our salvation may be unearned by us, but it is NOT free… it cost the second person of the Trinity dearly. He paid with His life so that we could live forever in fellowship with the great God, creator of heaven and earth.
As we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation may we joyfully remember He came into our midst to bring redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. As someone said, “He moved into our neighborhood.” Yes! He became one of us, yet without sin. Hallelujah!
May you walk in faith, hope, and truth as you think about what Christmas means.