The Gift of Jesus
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5-7)
The word “doxology” comes from two Greek words, one which means “praise” or “glory,” and the other one which means “word.” A doxology is literally a word or an expression of praise and glory. To understand the doxology of Christmas, we turn to a man who (unlike the shepherds and the wise men) was not there at the birth of Jesus. This man is the apostle Paul. As a writer of Scripture, he never explicitly wrote about the birth of Jesus. Unlike the disciples, he never physically met Jesus, but he did meet the risen Jesus; and he recorded the greatest doxology of Christmas. In doing so, he shows us the real reason for the season, to praise our Savior.
To begin, Paul took us backstage behind the curtains of eternity and showed us what took place before Jesus was even born. (Philippians 2:5-7)
When Jesus got on the ladder of humanity, He started out on the lowest rung. Although He was a king, He took the form of a slave. This puzzled many people who met him -- even His own disciples. They were expecting Him to be born into royalty and to be surrounded with servants. Yet, He came to serve.
If Jesus was God, why did He identify with us as a human being? Why would the Son of God leave the glory of heaven to come to earth as the Son of Man? Why would He leave a throne as a king and come to earth as a slave? Why would He leave a place where He was exalted to come to a place where He would be executed?
Jesus did all of this because He loved us and because He wanted a relationship with us. He is worthy to be praised, this time of year and every other day of the year, as well. He gave it all up so He could identify with us, empathize with us, and ultimately save us. We are extremely grateful for His awesome gift!
The word “doxology” comes from two Greek words, one which means “praise” or “glory,” and the other one which means “word.” A doxology is literally a word or an expression of praise and glory. To understand the doxology of Christmas, we turn to a man who (unlike the shepherds and the wise men) was not there at the birth of Jesus. This man is the apostle Paul. As a writer of Scripture, he never explicitly wrote about the birth of Jesus. Unlike the disciples, he never physically met Jesus, but he did meet the risen Jesus; and he recorded the greatest doxology of Christmas. In doing so, he shows us the real reason for the season, to praise our Savior.
To begin, Paul took us backstage behind the curtains of eternity and showed us what took place before Jesus was even born. (Philippians 2:5-7)
When Jesus got on the ladder of humanity, He started out on the lowest rung. Although He was a king, He took the form of a slave. This puzzled many people who met him -- even His own disciples. They were expecting Him to be born into royalty and to be surrounded with servants. Yet, He came to serve.
If Jesus was God, why did He identify with us as a human being? Why would the Son of God leave the glory of heaven to come to earth as the Son of Man? Why would He leave a throne as a king and come to earth as a slave? Why would He leave a place where He was exalted to come to a place where He would be executed?
Jesus did all of this because He loved us and because He wanted a relationship with us. He is worthy to be praised, this time of year and every other day of the year, as well. He gave it all up so He could identify with us, empathize with us, and ultimately save us. We are extremely grateful for His awesome gift!
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
February
Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
March
Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?
3 Comments
Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Loves us more than human comprehension
God gave Us the Greatest Gift Mankind has ever Known. The Gift of Salvation through HIS Son The LORD and Savior JESUS Christ. We Celebrate and PRAISE his Coming down to this World to Save those who ask. Believe and Worship Him . GLORY To GOD !
Amen! Thank you Jesus!