December 12, 2023: His Birth Makes Possible Our New Birth

Jesus "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." (Philippians 2:7-8, ESV)
 
Christmas is more than a celebration of the birth of Christ. I love the story of the baby in the manger. Who does not like babies? I love the story of the shepherds tending their flock and being visited by angels. I love that God chose Mary and Joseph and entrusted them to be the earthly parents of Jesus. Wisemen, Simeon, Anna, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the star are all wonderful parts of the story. But we can't forget that His birth makes our new birth possible. The One sent to give us life was to die!

He humbled himself. He laid aside His glory, becoming a man who would die for the sins of the whole world. Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. He stooped to any measure that was needed to secure our salvation! That is love! 

He was obedient to the point of death. Obedience means that it was not a pleasurable thing that Jesus was doing. He knew it was what had to be done. Therefore, He despised the cross and endured its shame. And having laid down His life, God raised Him up, making our new birth possible! Thank you, Jesus!