The "Other" CHRISTmas Story

As you deal with one another, you should think and act as Jesus did. In his very nature he was God. Jesus was equal with God. But Jesus didn’t take advantage of that fact. Instead, he made himself nothing. He did this by taking on the nature of a servant. He was made just like human beings. He appeared as a man. He was humble and obeyed God completely. He did this even though it led to his death. Even worse, he died on a cross! So God lifted him up to the highest place. God gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone will kneel down to worship him. Everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will kneel down to worship him. Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory.(Philippians 2:5-11)

As we deal with family, friends, and even strangers this CHRISTmas Season, let's be reminded to act as Jesus did, as Paul writes to the Philippians above in the "other" CHRISTmas story. We all like to read from Luke or Matthew this time of year, but let's read this version from Philippians more closely. Jesus agreed to come to earth to save us . . . true. However, it was more that that! He left a perfect paradise in heaven to live among the vile, filthy, sin-filled world just so we could have an "eternal relationship" with Him one day. He offered Himself up to a viscious gang of Roman soldiers to take the beating of all eternity so that we could live in a peaceful relationship with Him for eternity!

So as thanks, we need to live is such a way that honors Him. Every word from our mouth . . . every thought from our minds . . . every action we take part in . . . should bring glory to the One who did so much for us to be with Him! Eveyone will acknowledge CHRIST as Lord one day, but we are obligated to do it here and now!

Our gift to the Savior . . . to the baby born to a virgin in Bethlehem . . . to the One who suffered so brutally for us to know Him? Our gift is our life!

The "other" CHRISTmas story is being written right now in and through us. What is it saying to the world?