CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL WEEKS OF DECEMBER 21 & 28, 2020

When I am wandering through a store, I like to keep my ears open to conversations folks are having. Now don’t judge me too quickly. It is not eavesdropping, rather, some discussions or comments are made too loud to miss.

This past week I heard the comment, “holiday confusion.” One woman exclaimed in a boisterous way, “I plan, then change, then plan again, and now have given up! What holiday confusion!”

I know we are all trying to make sense of the fluctuating restrictions. Denise and I had to change plans when our son and his family from Sault Ste Marie, who was coming for Christmas, cancelled their trip. This has been a huge disappointment for them and us.

In my own “holiday confusion” and disappointment, I have been drawn to Philippians 2 verse 7 which provides some order and perspective.

“He (Jesus) gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being."

Here are 3 constants which we need to be reminded of during the “holiday confusion” we find ourselves in this year.

1. The words “gave up his divine privileges” are also translated as “being in the form of God” is the Greek word “huparcho” which means first, original, ancient – something that has always existed. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not his beginning, rather his manifestation to human beings. It was a brief appearance in His eternal existence. This is the first constant to provide perspective. Jesus is eternal and nothing escapes Him. We are not to be confused in who He is.
   
   

2. The words “took on the humble position” or “form of God” is the Greek word “morphe” which describes an outward form. In Jesus’ preexistence, He was not a component of God, not a symbol of God. He was God in all His great splendor, glory, power, and a Presence so strong that no human could endure Him. He existed in glory, more wonderful than you or I can comprehend or imagine. Yet, He set it aside to come and rescue us. This is the second constant to provide perspective. God is very purposeful and deliberate in sending Jesus to us. The message of the angels to Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds is, “Do not be afraid”. Trust me, and do not be confused, for nothing is impossible with Me.
   

3. The words “gave up” or “made himself of no reputation” is the Greek word “kenos” which means to make empty, to evacuate, to relinquish. God had to change His outward form to make a limited appearance as a human, and that meant He had to temporarily let go of His heavenly glory so we could relate to Him. When you put this word with the Greek word “lambano” translated “he took”, it is a wonderful picture of God reaching out from His eternal existence and grabbing onto our form and it is with force and deliberate focus. That means Jesus understands all that it means to be human, like you and me. It means that He can stand in our place and feel what we feel. This is the third constant to give us a new perspective on how deliberate God is in wanting to rescue us and provide a way for us to ultimately live with Him forever.

Yes, there is holiday confusion, if we look at Christmas through the pandemic lens. If we change our perspective, put on different glasses. and look at this year through the inspired words of Philippians 2, there is absolutely no confusion. I might add, that confusion always creates fear and anxiety.

Over these next few weeks, write down the word “lambano”. If ever there is a word for you and me this Christmas, it is the picture of one reaching out and grabbing onto something. For me, I go back to my days playing hockey, as I would reach out and grab the puck from my opponent and do it with force and focus. It was a deliberate act of my will.

That is what God did. No, not playing hockey, rather, reaching through time and space from heaven and grabbing our form. Why? So, we could understand Him more deeply and have constants to help us in our limited existence, for we are on a journey home.

Don’t be afraid or confused my friends.

Merry Christmas!

Bruce