The failed attempt to take Jesus' life that resulted in the deaths of all the infant boys in and around Bethlehem reminds us that not everything about the first Christmas was beautiful. There was a nasty side to it too. There was a shadow hanging over it.

We have already seen that shadow.

1. Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart (Luke 2:35)

2. The magi had brought myrrh, a burial spice (Matthew 2:11)

3. Jesus had come to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28)

There is something very beautiful about the birth of a baby that causes much joy and celebration. But there was a dark side to the birth of this baby. He was born with the specific purpose of being killed on a Cross.

We have seen already that Jesus existed with God in the beginning. Indeed, He was God. He lived in heaven. But we see in today's reading that He was willing to give up the glory and perfection of heaven. He did not cling to equality with God. He emptied Himself. He became, in one sense at least, less than God. He became a human being. More than that, He became a slave. (Remember, He said that he come not to be served but to serve.) More than that, He submitted Himself to obediently serve God. And that obedience led Him to a criminal's death on a cross.

Jesus chose this pathway. It was voluntary. This was not done to Him; He did it. Notice how today's passage talks about Jesus taking the initiative. He did not cling to His equality with God. He gave up His privileges. He took the position of a slave. He humbled Himself. He was obedient. He voluntarily went to the Cross.

All of this was known (at least, to God) at the time of His birth. And it was revealed (at least, in part) to the magi and definitely to Simeon.

For Reflection

1. The Philippians passage starts by saying "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." How would you describe Jesus' attitude?

2. In practical terms that you could implement today, what would it mean for you to have that same attitude?

Worship together. You could set aside some time as a family to worship Jesus. You could go to a Christmas Eve service tonight or a Christmas Day service tomorrow. Or both! Or all three!

Loving Lord Jesus, it is beyond amazing that You should have paid such a huge price. You not only gave up everything to be with us in this world, You came specifically to die the most horrible death, so as to set us free. It is beyond amazing that You, the God of all creation, should do so much for us. This is how we know what true love is: You died for our sins.

Lord, we thank You, we trust You and we commit ourselves again to following You. Please fill us with Your Spirit to enable us to be faithful in all things.

Amen.