Christmas time is here. Gifts have been bought. Budgets *might* be blown. And perhaps we wonder if we should have counted the costs a little better. We tell ourselves that we will do better next year. But perhaps we are calculating the wrong costs. Planning Christmas isn't all about the financial cost associated with the celebration of Christmas. There are other costs to consider.

Calculate the Cost of Time.

We are accustomed to calculating how much we can spend, but how about how much time we can spend with others. There are so many things that vie for our time at this time of year. calculating what is worthy of our time will help us to spend our time well. Packing too much into our day negates time for peace. 

Calculate the Cost of Connecting.

How much can we use this holiday season to not give just things of monetary value, but of lasting relational value? Planning for time to connect with one another  will take intentionality. It will have a cost,  but it will be well worth the investment. 

Calculate the Cost of Worship.

David famously said, ". . . I can't offer the LORD my God a sacrifice that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24). A sacrifice of praise comes at a cost. We will have to choose to worship God over choosing so many other things that can entertain or distract us from the focus of Christmas—Christ alone.

Calculate the costs this Christmas. What will it take for you to keep Christ at the center of your life this Christmas? Christ paid the ultimate cost on our behalf. Will we spare no expense in our pursuit of Him, as well?

Merry Christmas from us all here at Stewardship Advisory Group!

Yours for Wise Stewardship,

Jeff Rogers