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, ESV)
Do you want to understand the true miracle of Christmas? It is this: The unselfishness of Jesus. At the very core of Christmas is the incredible miracle that Jesus selflessly trades heavenly glory for human flesh. He becomes a tiny baby growing in the womb and then born of a woman. He sets out on a rescue mission for mankind by becoming a completely dependant infant. And in this, Jesus becomes the ultimate example of humility. He did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but rather he emptied himself to become a servant. Bottom line? He chose us over himself. He came to serve us through his unselfish birth and then eventual death on a cross. How unexpected! How beautiful! Love looks like humility. Love comes quietly and unassumingly to serve. As you prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus this Christmas, meditate on his unselfishness and ponder how we are called to “have this mind among yourselves” considering others better than ourselves. How can you empty yourself and choose others? Who can you selflessly serve this Christmas in the name of Jesus?