Because Christ Came

Surely we will face stress, disappointments, and tensions this month. We’ll be tempted to lose sight of the One we celebrate. But when this happens, remember what Jesus longed to gain: you and me.

Click here to listen to this devotional written and narrated by Cara Blondo.

It’s hard to give up a privilege, isn’t it? Soon, my daughter will willingly give up the perks she enjoys working at a coffee shop: free drinks, pastries, bagged coffee, and even a paid-for Spotify account. But what softens the loss is what she’ll gain–a carefree spring and summer before leaving for college.

In Philippians 2:7, we read of something far greater than coffee or baked goods that Jesus Himself was willing to give up: His divine privileges. The apostle Paul writes:

“...though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself (or–gave up His divine privileges, NLT) by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:6-8 ESV).

Like my daughter soon will do, Jesus willingly gave up His privileges. He took on the form of a servant and came to us. But why? What could God possibly gain by being born in the likeness of men and then suffering a criminal’s death?

You and me.

In Hebrews 12:2, we read that it was “for the joy set before Him” that Jesus endured the cross.

Friend, can we even begin to comprehend the depth of love first shown in the manger and then on the cross? Do we grasp the worth of our souls–so precious in His sight–that He willingly gave up heaven for us?

This Christmas, as we celebrate Jesus—the greatest gift ever given—remember: you are His gift. You are loved, treasured, and wanted.

Surely we will face stress, disappointments, and tensions this month. We’ll be tempted to lose sight of the One we celebrate. But when this happens, remember what Jesus longed to gain: you and me. Just as we are, right where we are. Let your heart be moved in wonder by such a lavish display of love.

And then remember: He still longs for us. In our stress. In our frustration. In our messy relationships. In our frenzy and forgetfulness. He came for us.

And because He came for us, He continually comes to us. In our mundane moments as well as our festive celebrations. When all is going well, and when we barely think we can hold on. And now? He simply invites us to come to Him.

Because He laid down His privileges, we have the greatest privilege of all: coming to Jesus–always.

Connect with Cara Blondo

https://theonethingdesired.com/

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