My first thought was that it’s natural at this time of year to think of the story of the Virgin Mary and the angel coming to her at night to reveal God’s plan for her life as she was about to carry in her body the life of the Savior of the world. Unfortunately, as busy as people are nowadays, perhaps I am assuming too much.
But, let’s take a few moments to focus on the REAL meaning of this holiday we celebrate by giving EACH OTHER gifts that we often don’t even need. I wonder if there is a better gift we might offer to Him – the gift of ourselves. Why might that be and how might we do that? How about some recognition as to what Jesus actually did? First of all, He left heaven to come down to be with mankind and to live on earth for a period of time not only to show us a picture of the Father, but also to model proper behavior and, of course, not the least of the reasons, to pay the price for our sins that we couldn’t pay. Just imagine for a moment that you were in heaven. How anxious would you be to come down to earth and deal with life as it is here? I think I’d say, “No, thank you.” Yet, John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Flesh. Colossians says, “He is the image of the invisible God” and Colossians 2:9 continues “For in Him the fulness of the deity dwells.” Hebrews 2:14 tells us, “Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same.”
The bottom line is that He condescended. He lowered Himself “to be a little lower than the angels” (Hebrews 2:7), bringing the Son of God down to our level. The level of man.
Luke 2:12 says “You will find a BABY wrapped in cloths and lying in a MANGER” (emphasis mine). A manger? The Son of God comes as a helpless infant? And, He isn’t even born in a hospital? (Ok, in an inn…)?
So, what gift might we give to Him? There are plenty of options, including, but not limited to: our hearts, our time, our talents, our resources. But, what about a willingness to also condescend? It may seem simple, but if Jesus can condescend to come to earth, can we not condescend to pick up a piece of trash in a parking lot, or on our walk around the neighborhood? Can we not “condescend” to greet someone who “isn’t our kind” (whatever that means), condescend to switch seats with someone on an airplane so a family can sit together, wait to hold the door for someone, etc., etc. No need to go on. You get the idea.
Jesus is our perfect role model. Let’s follow His example.
A blessed Christmas to all!
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Amen! Thank you Teri! Have a blessed Christmas!❤️
What a wonderful way to refocus my thoughts during this busy week before Christmas when I tend to be focused on keeping everyone’s gifts “equal”, getting the cookies baked and delivered, etc.,etc. Thank you, dear friend. Have a blessed Christmas!🎄❤
Thank you a great picture and encouragement to condescend ourselves! Thx Teri and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Teri! Thank you for all the weekly words of JOY 🙂
I find that people often have this attitude during the holidays, but then go back to being their selfish selves in January. I pray giving of ourselves can be a daily lifestyle as we try to imitate Christ. Pray for me please.
Thank you, Teri, for the thought for self-reflection. Have a blessed Merry Christmas.
Beautifully written and also gently convicting. a perfect attitude for the season. (my write hand still doesn’t work… but catching up on my favorite blogger feels good)
Thank you, Teri!
Blessings, in the name Jesus, upon our shared family and upon all the world for peace, comfort, and joy. Amen.
Thank you, Teri!
Blessings, in the name Jesus, upon our shared family and upon all the world for peace, comfort, and joy. Amen.
I love this message! Thank you for sharing such clarity of thought on this idea. Blessings.