A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Christmas Story Here?"

 When asked to read the Christmas story we naturally turn to Matthew or Luke. Most likely we would go to Luke for it is read most often. Someone might dare to turn to John who wrapped up the entire story in one succinct powerful verse. But the Christmas story along with its profound message is found elsewhere in Scripture. We are caught by surprise when it dawns on us that the Christmas story is found in unusual locations, but the fresh perspective helps to make the lessons alive and fresh.  Listen to the Christmas story found in Philippians.

"Who, being equal with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made into human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even the death of a cross!" (Philippians 2:6-8)

WOW! This early New Testament hymn magnificently captures the profound message and mystery of Christmas! Christ became Jesus! Divine took on humanity! Infinite took on finiteness! He made Himself nothing and became human. Though the translation of these verses is difficult, the original language proclaims the truth clearly. Jesus could have grasped His God-ness. He could have demanded His rights as God. He could have wielded His Divine power. But He did not. He humbled Himself, made Himself vulnerable to His own creation, pouring out Himself in love for the likes of you and I. He served rather than demanding to be served and obediently went to the cross on our behalf. Staggering message isn't it?
We really cannot truly comprehend it, but its truth rushes over us with transforming power.

Wait! There is more here. Though it would be nice to simply bask in the Christmas truth, the message also carries a mandate; "have this mind among yourselves which is in Christ Jesus." (2:5) Those of us in Christ are to reflect His character in our lives. He made Himself nothing, so should we. As He poured Himself out, humbling Himself to be a servant, making Himself vulnerable for the sake of others, so should we. The new life and power we have in Christ is not to be grasped, but poured out for the sake of others.

In a cultural of demanding rights and entitlement to live Christ-like is a radical thing, as it has always been. Nevertheless, we are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformed, having the mind of Christ, which He revealed right from the start at His birth. This is a crucial part the message of Christmas.

Beloved this Christmas let us not only celebrate Christmas, the wondrous reality that Jesus "being equal with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made into human likeness," but let us also embrace the mandate to have His mind among us and through Him allow
His character to be revealed though us.

Keep Close to Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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