Christmas Eve

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;  rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11

Readings:

Luke 2:1-7,
Philippians 2:6-11,
Titus 3:4-8

Reflection 

Have you ever given up anything? I am sure we have given up chocolate or cake at some time or another. But have you ever really laid down something truly sacrificially?

One of the most profound aspects of Christmas to me is the fact Jesus gave up heaven to come to earth. We all have some picture of what heaven will be like and it usually centres on how life would be, if everything were perfect. Perfect relationships and perfect health. Whatever our thoughts of heaven, I am convinced it will be better than we can think possibly imagine, and Jesus gave it all up to come ,dwell and die among us. He willingly left heaven with all of its perfection and took on flesh with all of its limitations, for us here on earth. Because of that willingness of Christ, we come and worship our Lord, we come and kneel in homage.  May we join with all of heaven in rejoicing over the One who took on flesh and dwelt among us. As the song proclaims, “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

Prayer 

Lord Jesus light of the world
Born in David’s city of Bethlehem
Born in a stable that we may have a mansion
Born like David to be a King that we may be heirs
Be born in our hearts
Be King of our lives today.
Amen