5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
~ Philippians 2:5-7
I arrived at Bethel for my first official day of work on December 1, 2007. Since that time, we’ve gotten to know each other much better. We’ve grown, struggled, celebrated, and served together. But one thing is solidly at our core … we are continually striving to be active and even agile followers of Jesus Christ, and I celebrate what the Holy Spirit has stirred up here.
We know how busy the Christmas season will become with parties, meals, letters and cards to write, gifts to purchase, Christmas pageants to attend, and a New Year to prepare for. In addition to all of the celebrations and activity, we know that many of us experience sadness, depression, disorientation, and disconnection at this time of year.
The miracle of the Incarnation is that Jesus “emptied himself” to become one of us – to live and walk amongst humanity. He didn’t have to. He didn’t come because humans were especially good or worthy at that point in history. He doesn’t expect us to clean up our lives and become happier as we clean up our houses in anticipation of guests. Instead, He comes to us where we are and as we are. He comes to comfort and to challenge, to save and lead us in the way of life.
One of my favorite quotes is from the book The Quest of the Historical Jesus by Albert Schweitzer. Please read this slowly and multiple times. He writes:
He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lake-side, he comes to those who knew him not. He speaks to us the same words, “Follow thou me!” and sets us to the task which he has to fulfil for our time. He commands. And to those who obey him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in his fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 