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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Thursday, December 24
Philippians 2:5-11
by David Chan
Today we finish our time of preparation before Christmas. Often we spend our days before Christmas running around trying to get everything ready for Christmas. We’re buying presents or fretting about whether we missed someone. Or maybe we’re planning a vacation, cooking for the family, etc.
In this passage from his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul talks about how we should empty ourselves so that God’s glory will shine through us and how we should become more like Christ. “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”
Contemplate how each of us might leave behind all the worldly things that clutter our lives and distract our minds. Maybe we can stop at the homeless shelter and drop off a blanket. Or invite a homeless beggar into a coffee shop for a hot coffee or for hot chocolate and a pastry. Maybe we can get some extra food with our dinner and can give the leftovers to a hungry person. Or maybe we can just sit with someone who needs a hug.
Tomorrow we celebrate Christ’s birthday. What better gifts can we give the Christ Child than that? The best gifts are not things of worldly value but things that bring glory to God the Father.
My prayer on Christmas Eve is silent. In the silence, listen to your heart and open your thoughts to ways to share this Christmas with those less than fortunate than you.
Peace be with us all.
Prayer
Amen.