Christmas is the favorite holiday for many, both secular and Christian. It can be a joyous time, celebrating the Word made flesh, and dwelling among us. (See John 1:1-14)
Christmas, however, was a time of Christ’s humiliation. He humbled Himself, took the form of a bond-servant, and was made in the likeness of man (Philippians 2:6-7).
Then He humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
Christ’s obedience at Christmas and throughout His life on earth resulted in His exaltation…but not until later. Thirty-three years later.
A Son was Given
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Born in Humiliation
Jesus was born in a stable to poor parents. He was rejected by His people. He was accused of being illegitimate. He was accused of having a demon.
He created us and then allowed us to mock Him, spit on Him, scourge Him, crucify Him.
He died for us.
And our own sins were part of the reason.
Our Lord, our God, was treated abysmally. That isn’t a strong enough word.
This should hurt us.
The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. (Romans 15:3)
He was and is God
Jesus Christ was eternal, almighty God before His birth. Jesus Christ was God throughout His time on earth. Jesus Christ is God now, seated at the right hand of the Father.
He gave up His rights and privileges as God in order to become man. He gave up His independent exercise of being God and submitted Himself to the Father. He gave up His glory in order to serve the Father and us…and to die so that those who believe in Him might live.
A time to rejoice
Christmas is truly a time to rejoice. But, remember, Christ was born in order to die for us. His birth meant His humiliation.
