Coming out of the recent election cycle, I was reminded that in this world, the people who think they can solve our problems – those who propose to save us, so to speak – do so by boasting in their ability, contending for position, and grasping for power.  It was not so for Jesus.

The Bible says that Jesus, “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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11 ESV).”

Rather than clinging to the glory and power that were rightfully his in heaven, he condescended to become man.  Instead of declaring himself king of earth upon his arrival, he humbled himself to a lowly station and, ultimately, to a horrible death.

This is what we celebrate at Christmas.  Christmas marks the day that God became man.  Entering as a baby in a manger, the God-man came to pay a penalty that only man deserved to pay but that only God was able to pay.  And through faith in him we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled with God.

This is good news!  This is the reason the angels announced to the shepherds good tidings of great joy.  A Savior was born in Bethlehem, and our prayer for your family is that you would receive and fully enjoy him this Christmas season.