Guest post submitted by SheepishladybirdChristmas is a special time of year. People are more generous, caring, and loving. I wish this would last all year round. I keep thinking though, about the sacrifice Jesus gave in order to come as a baby. He came for the least of these as well.
Jesus chose to give up everything He had in heaven to come down to earth. He gave up everything to come as a baby in a simple teenager's womb. Jesus did not regard His position with God as something that should be given to Him by force. He willingly obeyed and followed God's desires for a lost world to have a Saviour. What an awesome thing!
Jesus became a servant. He had to rely on Mary to nurse Him, bathe Him, change His nappies, clothe Him. He had to rely on Joseph to teach Him the trade of carpentry. He knew scriptures, prophecies, etc. He was there when the world began.
Yet He waited until the time was right to share His knowledge of this scriptures. He knew the pangs of hunger, thirst, tiredness. He understands temptations because He too was tempted, but He resisted the temptations so we can as well. He suffered a humiliating death, with blows, insults, and hatred. Jesus chose this.
Jesus gave His all for you and me. He didn't have to. He could have easily said, I think this is too painful, I can't go through that. He could have said, they are far too gone, why bother? Praise the Lord that He didn't say those things. He showed His love in a better way that any of us could.
Philippians says that every knee shall bow, in heaven (angels), on earth (humans) and under the earth (demons) and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He received the honour and glory and power because He did not force His way to get it. He suffered in obedience.
I find that amazing. So many times I feel like what I'm going through is too much. I can't bear it. However, when I read how others are suffering with loved ones with cancer, people who are dying of hunger, cholera, dirty water, etc. I realise that I'm not suffering at all. Jesus chose to give up everything. What have I chosen to give up? What am I going to give up for others this Christmas and in 2009?
Joshua said to "choose you this day tell me whom shall you serve? As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord." If I choose to serve the Lord, then I need to serve the least of these as He would. I choose to serve those who are hungry, thirsty, hurting, lonely, abused, etc. They need Jesus! I choose to serve Him wherever and however. I choose to stop looking at my circumstances and say woe is me when so many are in far worse places than I am. I choose to follow Jesus in knowing that He chose to give up all for me.
So this Christmas, as my kids unwrap their gifts, I pray that those around the world that will not be celebrating because they do not know, don't have the means to, etc. will be able to experience that
love of Jesus Christ that we know. I pray that those who are hurting because loved ones are hurting physically and emotionally will be comforted by His love. I pray that the church will wake up and receive her King! Let us choose to serve the Lord no matter the cost, let's follow in Jesus' footsteps. Amen!
Comments (11)
yes, Jesus is the only reason for the season
Great post!! Thanks for sharing
Great post!!Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel!! :)
Many Blessings this Christmas
Merry Christmas to you - thanks for such a beautiful post! that passage in Scripture is one of my favourites - we have a hymn based on it too and it's very powerful. Our choir sang a song this christmas called "You Who Were Rich" and it fits the theme of this post, so if you don't mind I'll include the lyrics here:
You who were rich beyond all splendour
All for love’s sake become poor.
Thrones for a manger did surrender
Sapphire paved courts for stable floor.
You who were rich beyond all splendour
All for love’s sake became poor.
You who are God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake become a man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heav’n ward by your eternal plan.
You who are God beyond all praising
All for love’s sake became a man.
You who are love beyond all telling
Saviour and King we worship you.
Emmanuel within us dwelling
Make us what you would have us be.
You who are love, beyond all telling,
Saviour and King we worship you.
Jesus is not the only reason for the season. Winter Solstice maybe? Come on people. It's a pagan holiday. That's all X-mas is. There are only two cultures that has turned a man into a god on such a huge level. The Egyptians were just a little more equal opportunity about it.
Hungry people don't need Jesus and neither do the sick. They need food and a doctor. Everyone doesn't want or need your Jesus. Tell him to stop being such an attention whore.
thank you for your prayer! :D
@Made2sing4Jesus@xanga - "...You know, some may come to boof your post, pay nary a mind..."
Prophetic. Amen.
Great post.
Thank you for the kind comments. I pray that we would all see the splendour and majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we rejoice in His love and keep the joy throughout the New Year! God bless each of you. SHALOM!