/prod02/channel_1/media/christmas-and-advent/2023-graphics/devotional-graphics-option-14.jpg)
December 25, 2023 Transforming Grace: The Stable’s Costly Provision
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” —2 Corinthians 8:9
Consider the economy of Christmas—not the retail performance of Black Friday, but rather the value exchange that the apostle Paul observed in the plan of God as it relates to the incarnation of his Son.
In Christ’s incarnation, Paul noticed a staggering inequity. By his accounting, the largest transfer of wealth in the history of humanity occurred in the stable at Bethlehem.
If we were to enter the palace of the King of Kings in the infinite ages prior to his incarnation, we would have seen “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1). And yet, because of his love for us, Christ became poor. Through the stable, the economy of redemption takes a surprising turn, and the Son of God undergoes an extreme reversal of fortune.
The exchange in this verse is a demonstration of grace. This transfer of wealth, Paul says, is accomplished as a gift of God’s undeserved favor. So when we consider the economy of Christmas, we encounter the grace of God and its costly provision.
In response to God’s extravagant gift of grace, what will we have the courage to give away? As we make decisions about how to spend our time and our treasure, we should take into account everything that the King of kings and Lord of lords first gave to each one of us.
Reflection: Have you ever given up wealth or status for Christ’s sake?
Back to Fourth Sunday of Advent | Forward to Sunday After Christmas/New Year's Eve