This Christmas is so much different – a Christmas upside down. I watch the dazzling lights of the Christmas tree and the smiling faces of my friends. A happy family gathered around the tree, laughing and spreading good vibes.
I am thankful to be with them this Christmas but I can’t participate fully in their excitement and joy. There is a coldness in my stomach, and a hot tear is burning in my eyes. Nobody can understand my pain
And then I hear this gentle voice in my thoughts, “I can. I understand you, my child, and I deeply care.”
Here is a sneak peek of my guest post at Devotableapp.com about the wonder of the incarnation and why we are called to live a life upside down.
“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!” (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
Remember to pin me for later!
Christmas Upside Down – The Wonder of the Incarnation
On Christmas Eve we celebrate the glorious night when God enters our world as a baby. But for the rest of the universe, such an act equals unexplainable humiliation. God, the Creator of the universe incarnates into a normal human being, and lives a life limited by the flesh on the planet Earth, and dies nailed on a cross. Why?
Because to be able to be Immanuel – God with us, He needed to become one of us, subject to the limitations and needs of the flesh. In this way, He is fully able to empathize with our weaknesses and struggles and to intercede for us as our High Priest. (Hebrew 4:15 NIV)
As fully man, Jesus can understand us completely, more than any other human being on this planet. And as fully God He is able to help and comfort us perfectly.
He made Himself nothing being in human likeness, so we can become everything in the likeness of Christ.
Jesus took the nature of a servant in the world, so we can become kings and priests in His kingdom.
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, so we can be restored and glorified in life.
Read the rest of the post at Devotableapp.com and be strengthened and encouraged.
More Resources to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
Do you need more resources to prepare your heart for Christmas? Check out these books and devotionals by beloved Bible teachers and authors.
Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here by Max Lucado
Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope by Max Lucado
In the Manger: 25 Inspirational Selections for Advent by Max Lucado
Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope by Sarah Young
Jesus Calling for Christmas, Padded Hardcover, with full Scriptures by Sarah Young
Bring On The Merry: 25 Days of Great Joy for Christmas by Candace Cameron Bure
Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional by Tama Fortner
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Your Turn
What does the incarnation mean to you? Come share your experience in the comments and on social media. Thanks!
As fully man, Jesus can understand us completely, and as fully God He is able to help and comfort us perfectly. #christmas #encouragement #devotion @devotableapp Share on X God made Himself nothing being in human likeness, so we can become everything in the likeness of Christ. #christmas #incarnation #devotion @devotableapp Share on X
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I believe many Christmases were upside-down this year, for many reasons. I was alone. Not that I could be with others as I was invited, but at my age with a few underlying conditions, I needed to move with caution. So sharing Christmas over the phone with family, friends was my 2020 Christmas. I am so grateful that Christ understands everything about us. The Philippians Scripture touched me deeply as my 2021 One Word is “decrease” and unless I understand Christ’s incarnation and His decrease, I cannot even move. I have been adding Scripture to my list for study. May your 2021 be filled with the mercy, the grace, and the Presence of Immanuel.
Thanks so much, Linda, for your encouraging words and prayer! I pray God’s fresh mercies and blessings upon you in 2021! I love your One Word. My Word is “comfort”.
It is comforting that the incarnation made it possible for Christ to understand our pain. We never have to suffer alone. Thanks for sharing about your Christmas upside down.
Thanks, Lisa! Yes, it brings great comfort to know and experience that we are not alone in our suffering.