“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:8

In a 180-degree contrast to Herod, Jesus defines humility by the simple, selfless act of being born. The cross is the culmination of his humility, but the first step was agreeing, before time began, to be the sacrificial Lamb. The previous verse, verse 7, says He “made himself nothing….” The ESV (English Standard Version) says He “emptied himself….” He limited Himself and exposed Himself to the uncertainties of human development, birth, physical tiredness, and thirst. He did not turn aside when death was required. Instead, He was tempted as we all are, yet without sin, and He faced death, as we all do, so death could be conquered and no longer feared. As the Getty’s have said in their song, The Power of the Cross, “What a love, what a cost.”²²

The songs of the season help us to consider Jesus’ humility and respond to it. One song asks, “What Child is this?” Another challenges us to understand the importance of what happened in the humble little town of Bethlehem. As it relates the events of Christmas, The First Noel reminds us that the King of Israel was born. Silent Night tells us He was the Son of God and Savior. O Holy Night calls us to fall on our knees and worship. That’s what Christmas is really supposed to be — a season of worship in response to the humility of Jesus. It’s not about the trees, the lights, the decorations, the gatherings of friends and family, or the songs we only hear once a year. It’s not even about the gifts. Christmas is about The Gift. The Gift acknowledged and celebrated in the songs. The Gift that is Light remembered in the lights and decorations which grace our homes and houses of worship. The Gift that made fellowship with God possible and thus is the hidden theme in our own acts of fellowship. The Gift that is the reason we give to one another on the coming day. 

Christmas is almost here. In worship today let the words of the songs that so easily pass over your lips run first through your heart and mind. As God’s word is opened, let the profound truth and significance of it pierce and then warm your heart. Refocus on The Gift. Refocus on the One who, in humility, emptied Himself so you might be filled with His Holy Spirit. Stop! Let awe enter your day and worship flow out.
 

Jay W. Hill