Advent 2020, day 26 of 26

December 24, 2020 (Thursday)

 

Advent 2020 (day 26 of 26) Christmas Eve!

 

If you are following the Revised Common Lectionary, today you will be exiting “Advent” and entering “Christmas.” Tomorrow starts the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”  But this week I have digressed. Today I want to look at one last person who took a risk the first Christmas.

 

His name is Jesus. I know it seems strange to think of God taking a risk, but keep reading. First, what did Jesus give up becoming human? I am so glad you asked!

 

Remember Jesus is God. “Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.” [Philippians 2:6 CEB] Believe it or not, there have been theological fights over the word translated “form,” which is the literal translation. The best understanding here of the translation is to state Jesus is fully God. Most translations will translate “something to exploit” as “grasped.” Literally the Greek is “held on to for advantage.”

 

This is the first part of the risk Jesus took: “But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human.” [Philippians 2:7 CEB] The word translated “form” in this verse is different than in verse six. This word emphasizes the fact Jesus became fully human. The word focuses more experience. Jesus experience the entirety of the human existence, except of committing sin.

 

This emptying of divine rights including submission to the human experience. “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” [Philippians 2:8 CEB] In the previous verse, we find Jesus in the form of a slave. Here we find him obedient to the point of death. I think if Jesus had not given up His spirit, literally “dismissed,” He would still be hanging on the cross today.

 

Where is the risk? Jesus never gave up being God when He came in the flesh. However, by His own admission, He was greatly limited. Still, Jesus knew the plan. Jesus knew the Father would accomplish the plan. Where is the risk?

 

The risk is simply that people would not believe. Some will reject Jesus and spend eternity in “Hell” (a.k.a. “lake of fire”). However, one thing is certain, “Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names.” [Philippians 2:9 CEB]

 

What does that mean to you? You will bend your knee to Jesus. You will confess “Jesus is Lord.” That’s part of the plan: “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [Philippians 2:10 – 11 CEB] Everyone in heaven, on earth, and in Hell (we commonly think of Hell as being “below”). Angels, humans, demons all will kneel at the name of Jesus.

 

You can do it now or you can do it later, doesn’t matter. Wait! It matters. Bending the knee to Jesus now is the key to eternal life in Heaven. Do this now while you have a chance and a choice.

 

Merry Christmas! May God bless you with a peace deeper than circumstances and a joy beyond words.