…To The Glory Of God The Father

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

Think of the wrapping Christ chose as a redemptive gift to rescue us from our sinful selves. Jesus could have wrapped Himself in a mind boggling show of power, lighting up the sky with His presence in a celestial show of glory. Instead He came to us as a man.

Begin like us, He is no stranger to our struggles. He experienced deep loneliness and the betrayal of a dear friend. He was publicly shamed, misunderstood, and falsely accused. In short, He feels our pain.

When you think of the gift of Jesus this Christmas, remember to keep the “wrapping’ in mind.

Don’t disregard the wrapping of the best Christmas gift of all.

Our Daily Bread – December 22, 2014