I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
-The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:12-13
I have learned (am still learning) to be content in all circumstances. It’s weird to be served, to have someone take care of you, to have friends do things for you. I would rather be the one to serve, but there is a joy in either situation. To be loved by someone, to accept love is a joy. I’m having to learn what I can and cannot do. I’m learning the joy of being a helper, keeping my parents company, and just relaxing and listening.
The God of the universe took it upon himself to become like us, to be cared for, to learn how to talk, to have his diaper changed, to be bathed and raised by human hands. He took the time to be like us, slowly. He didn’t just arrive fully formed, but experienced humanity step by step.
[Jesus], being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!-The Apostle Paul, Philippians 2:6-8
I had a very frustrating day this week. I realized some limitations I wasn’t aware of before, and I felt like I can’t do anything anymore. Imagine what it must have been like to give up limitless power and take on this frail form. That’s the submissive, sacrificial love Christ showed in coming to Earth. The gift of Christmas is that God became like us and understands who we are. The person who didn’t need anything, humbled Himself to be one of us. No matter the circumstance, we have someone standing beside us who knows what it’s like. Merry Christmas!
