“…Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when He had come as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8 CSB

Christmas Wonder

We’ve all seen magicians performing their stunts and wowing the crowd. Some are fascinated by this prestidigitation. It has never really held my interest because I know it is just a trick. Although he makes the impossible seemingly possible, in reality it is a deception. A very clever sleight of hand, or a hidden compartment, or some distraction that blinds my eye and diverts my attention. I am being shrewdly manipulated. The magician is using his cunning wares to deceive me. And he does it so well. Props to the magicians.

But as I read scripture I come across those things that seem impossible, yet come into being as naked truth and startling reality. No tricks. No exploitation. No deception. Everything made plain for all to see. One of those passages that takes my breath away and causes a deepening wonder and awe in me is the above passage. A holy and eternal God became a man and dwelt among us who are mere mortals. We call it Christmas.

Jesus was fully God and yet He willingly set aside His use of that deity when He became a babe born in a stable. He possessed all the rights of deity but surrendered them, that He might show Himself visibly to mankind who desperately needed a Savior. He made Himself nothing. He emptied Himself. He became a faithful and humble servant. He was perfectly obedient to the will of our Father and God.

How can God become man? How can He limit Himself to a physical body that hungers and tires and grows weak and old? And why would He do this anyway? Like the magician’s trick, I don’t know how this can be. I only know that it is so, and it is no trick. I know because He has forever changed me and I have seen Him keep His promises and perform His word. Oh, the wonder of Christmas. Oh, the priceless gift that was given.

I don’t know the how, but I know the why. For some inexplicable reason, He loves us. His love makes all things possible. The love of God has no limits.  He speaks the cosmos into existence. He shakes mountains and thunders from on high. And He is born a babe. That Christmas baby shows us what God is like and He is never-ending, never-failing love. May you find His love this Christmas season.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men!” Luke 2:14