“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
(Philippians 2:5-8)
I enjoyed a great time yesterday worshipping with the students at McLean Bible Church, who will be raising funds through their New Years Eve event to support our efforts in the Dominican Republic. As we studied the passage above from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, we were reminded that while Jesus had every right to stay comfortably in heaven in a position of power, his love drove him to a position of weakness and vulnerability for the sake of sinful mankind.
In light of this, our response as Christ-followers this holiday season is two-fold: to remind ourselves of his sacrifice and seize the opportunity to respond.
Christmas (REMIND) – In the midst of an increasingly secular world pushing Christmas as addition and acquisition, we must remind ourselves of the length to which Christ lowered himself, to meet our spiritual need through his incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection.
New Years Aid (RESPOND) – The upcoming New Years Eve event presents a unique opportunity to let the love of Christ compel us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) to emulate Christ, by assuming a position of vulnerability and weakness for the sake of others by:
1. Inviting our friends – making ourselves vulnerability to be rejected
2. Investing in the Global Church – requiring financial sacrifice, placing ourselves in a position of less financial strength and materialistic weakness.
Both of which are certainly counterculture and yet it was the great missionary C.T. Studd who wisely noted,
“Only one life, twill soon be passed
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Finally it was theologian Matthew Henry who stated,
“Not only did Jesus become man for us, but he became poor also. He was born in poor circumstances, lived a poor life, and died in poverty; and this was for our sakes, that we might be made rich, rich in the love and favor of God, rich in the blessings and promises of the new covenant, rich in the hopes of eternal life, being heirs of the kingdom. This is a good reason why we should be charitable to the poor out of what we have, because we ourselves live upon the charity of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
I shared the following devotionals could be a great way this holiday season to make a daily investment in reminding ourselves of the true “weight” of the Christmas:
Joy Upon Joy: An Advent Devotional
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent
From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
