Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Listen to the Word

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  (Philippians 2:5-7)

This week’s Scripture illuminates the amazing truth of Christmas: Christ, who is completely divine, became completely human for us. In unimaginable humility, he made himself nothing for us.

Sometimes we resist the idea that he really stepped that low. So we sing songs that say things like, “Little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.” I hate to ruin a nice Christmas carol for you, but give me a break. Have you ever met a baby who didn’t cry? And we design nativity scenes that are all gold and shiny and ornate, as if Jesus’ family enjoyed five-star accommodations the night of his birth.

We must resist the desire to keep God at a safe distance from the muck and mire of our planet. We must let Christ be human, and let him in our filthy world, for only if we let him in can he pull us out.

Live the Word

Pray a prayer of thanks, expressing your gratitude to Jesus for becoming fully human for you.