Christmas Should Change How We Relate to One Another

When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the wonder inspiring truth that God became flesh and lived among us. This glorious event was celebrated by angels singing on that first Christmas night, and is now celebrated around the world by billions of people each year. The theological term for the event we are celebrating is “the incarnation”.

In the Bible, theological truths are often presented in order to change how we think and live in our everyday lives. Theology, correctly understood, is always practical and relevant. One of the clearest examples of this principle is found in the second chapter of Philippians. Here we will find, marvelously woven together, both a moving theology of the incarnation and an urgently practical appeal to live our lives with a type of humility which leads to unity.

The Wonder Inspiring Theology of the Incarnation

Jesus was in Heaven before He was in Bethlehem.  He existed in the form of God. He had never experienced feeling cold or tired, much less pain. Then, in order to save us, He became one of us. Even among humans, he chose a poor family and an incredibly humble setting to be born into. He came knowing that He would feel cold. He would get tired and thirsty. In fact, He came so that He would have a human body that could and would feel pain.  The pain of crucifixion.  He came so that He could die. For us.

The Urgently Practical Application

Paul, inspired by the very same Holy Spirit who came upon a young virgin to work the miracle of incarnation, explains some very practical ways in which knowledge of the incarnation should change how we live.

Jesus is the only human being who ever lived who actually was better than everyone else. He was more valuable than you and I are.  Yet, He acted as if we were more valuable that Himself.  He came for our benefit.  He served us.  He washed the feet of others. And He died for us.

If Jesus treated other people as if they were more valuable than Himself, how much more should we! If Jesus humbly served others, how can refuse to do the same? The point is not that other people are actually better or more valuable than you are.  The point is that you should follow the example of Christ and live as if your neighbors, friends, family, and fellow church members are more valuable than you are.

If we live with this Christ-like humility, one beautiful result will be much greater unity. So much conflict is motivated, at least in part, by a lack of humility.  We so often fail to do this:

in humility value others above yourselves,

not looking to your own interests

but each of you to the interests of the others.

(Philippians 2:3b-4 NIV)

This Christmas, may the Holy Spirit apply the theology of Christ’s incarnation to our hearts so that we all become more humble, value others above ourselves, and serve others even when it requires sacrifice.  Then we’ll experience more unity and harmony, and the light of Christ will shine more brightly through us.

Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .