“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8
December 22, 2025
Is there any time in the calendar year when the name of Christ is proclaimed more than at other times? Unfortunately the word “Christmas” comes from the early English phrase “Christes Masses”, which means “Christ’s Mass” (World Book Encyclopedia). The problem is with the word “Mass.” The Roman Catholic Church believes that “at the consecration of the Mass He [Christ] comes down to the earthly altar, He is still offering Himself, an eternal victim all the time” (What the Church is and What She Teaches, p. 31). This is a serious error. The truth is that Jesus once for all time willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross (Heb. 9:12; 10:12). Jesus Christ’s redemptive work was a success, not a failure. The sorrow is that mankind did not recognize His worth. He was seemingly insignificant. The very point that Paul is driving is humility, the willingness to die for someone else. This is servanthood. This is exactly what the Philippian believers needed to practice. The true Christmas spirit is found in each believer who sets aside self and serves others in humble self-sacrifice. This is the present that keeps on giving through the year.
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Reflection: Is there rivalry with one another in your family, your church? What can be done about it?
If married, is your relationship growing in humble service to one another?