Christmas Humility

At Christmas we celebrate the coming of Jesus. This Jesus the Christ, the Holy one, the Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord of All, God in the flesh; it is He that is to be our example and guide. As you celebrate this Christmas, remember what Jesus really did when He came. He reduced Himself from being on a throne at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, to being a human. Not just a human but a baby, small and physically helpless, born to a young poor couple in a difficult situation. His birth surrounded by dirty livestock in a stable. These were very humble beginnings. Yet they are the beginnings of the earthly mission of our Savior, our Lord, our God.

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. - Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)

So let us surrender our pride, our selfishness, our desires, our rights. Lets look to the example of our Lord and walk in humility. We do not need to display extravagance, we do not need to attract attention to ourselves. We need to point others to Jesus, lets make sure we are not distracting them. I know that many of you have "big" Christmas traditions, a lot of decorations and family events. Often your homes are filled with presents wrapped in fancy paper. I am not suggesting you stop celebrating. I am instead suggesting we all look at what we do and discern if it directs people to Jesus, the reason for the season or does it distract them from Him?

This may sound harsh but please understand that if you say Jesus is my Lord then you need to live like it. Do not use the celebration of His coming for your own selfish desires. If it is just an opportunity for you to show off your new clothes, decorations, songs, events, food, toys, cars, electronics or other presents, then consider repenting and drawing near to God about how He wants you to celebrate. Celebrate? YES! But direct the glory and honor and attention toward Jesus.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8 (ESV)

So the answer is not to refuse to celebrate.   Nor is it to judge the celebration of others.  But to draw close to God and celebrate and honor Him in the way you are directed to.  You may do similar things but your emphasis might be different, your interactions with others may be significantly different.

Walk with humility this Christmas and point others to Jesus!

Preacherman