Christmas Lifestyle
Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:1-11
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant … just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …”
—Matthew 20:26-28
“I wish every day was Christmas.” These are more than the winsome words of a child. The day has come and gone, but the heart of Christmas should be ours all year long.
Our passage today challenges us to a Christmas lifestyle, to a life that imitates the Christ of Christmas. Jesus put aside his glory and became the suffering servant for our salvation. His love was a committed, taking-the-initiative, forgiving, self-sacrificing love.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect the attitude of Christ. This lifestyle is not just for the spiritually mature; it reaches every one of us as Christians. Jesus’ attitude is at the very foundation of our salvation, motivating us to follow his example by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
To the blessings of God we respond in gratitude and with God’s love. Our Lord calls us to unity: being like-minded, one in spirit, purpose, and love. We are called to humility: putting away selfish ambition and conceit. And we are called to selfless, sacrificial service: looking to the interests and needs of others.
Christmas may be over, but may we reflect each day the Christmas lifestyle by seeking unity, living humbly, and serving selflessly for Jesus’ sake.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have done for us and our salvation. In gratitude we offer ourselves in loving service. Help us to reflect your lifestyle in all that we do. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Aardsma
Calvin Aardsma has been a pastor for more than thirty years. He has served churches in Indiana, Oregon, and the Chicago area. Currently, he is a pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois. He also serves on the board of the Ugandan Orphanage Relief Fund. Cal and his wife, Sandy, have four children and five grandchildren.
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