"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

When Mary was pregnant with Jesus and unmarried, she heard the small-town gossip and saw the uncertainty in the eyes of Joseph, her betrothed. Joseph wrestled with the thought that Mary had been unfaithful to him, but an angel brought him the assurance he needed. He took his pregnant wife on a 70-mile journey to Bethlehem, where she delivered a son in a stable because there was no room in the inn. The shepherds who heard the angels announce the birth of the Savior set off for Bethlehem and followed a star over hundreds of miles to see the King of kings.

That baby boy born in Bethlehem centuries ago paid the true cost of Christmas. He came from Heaven to spend time among us and then took on the sins of this world and died for us. Here is a prayer to reflect on the sacrifice He made.

Jesus, help me discover the true cost of Christmas this year. While surrounded by family and gifts, help me remember to thank You because You’re the one who gave Yourself for me. You are my greatest gift and my true peace.