In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:5-7

If there were a Christmas carol to go along with one of Paul’s letters to the church in his writings to the Christians in the city of Philippi, it would be “Joy to the World.” “The book of Joy,” in fact, the book of Philippians is sometimes called, is wonderful! It speaks to all that we are and all that we have because we are believers in Jesus. 

In a season of fullness—full tables, full homes, full stockings and trees overflowing with treats and treasures—it is important to remember with what we are filling our minds and hearts. In what ways are we being intentional in this celebration of Christ’s birth, to think the thoughts that our Savior thinks? He came here. For you. For me. He came from God and is God, and yet He gave everything up and emptied himself to walk with us here on Earth in shoes that were dirty and clothes that were torn, with a love so strong for His people that the imminent shedding of His blood for us could only further prove to the nations that He was who He said He was. He is who He says He is!
 
Oh, JOY to the world our Savior has come! 

Joy! Joy! Joy!

Today and always. 

Father, there is such good intention in our hearts. So often our thoughts are clearly not your thoughts, though we try. This Christmas season help us to focus on your presence, and fill us with your spirit. Allow us to share in the giving of ourselves in the many ways you provide. Guide us with Your everlasting light as we celebrate You, a living, breathing example of what is true, and pure, and lovely. With an outpouring of joy, let heaven and nature sing of the glories of Your love. 

Inspired by Philippians 2:5-7

Joyfully yours,

Valerie Sewell