Christmas Beyond The Story
What actually happened.
On the strangeness of the incarnation.
The big idea
The claim of Christmas is not that a baby was born. It is who the baby was.
Opening scripture
“Instead he gave up his status, took the position of a servant, and was born as a human being.”
What does “Christmas Beyond The Story” walk through?
He Emptied Himself
Philippians 2:7 · KJV
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
In plain English
Instead he gave up his status, took the position of a servant, and was born as a human being.
Downward, On Purpose
Paul describes a deliberate descent — status set aside, servant's form taken. It is the opposite direction to every story we tell about greatness.
God So Loved
John 3:16 · KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In plain English
God loves people so much that he gave Jesus. Trusting him brings lasting life instead of being lost.
“Familiarity is the main thing standing between most of us and this story.”
Wounded For Us
Isaiah 53:5 · KJV
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
In plain English
This points to a suffering Savior who bears our wrongdoing. His suffering brings peace and healing for us.
The Manger Points Somewhere
The nativity is not the destination. It is the first step of a journey that ends at a cross and an empty tomb.
Every Promise, Yes
2 Corinthians 1:20 · KJV
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
In plain English
However many promises God has made, in Jesus they are all yes.
Pray
Jesus, make this story strange to me again. Amen.
Write it down
What part of the Christmas story have you stopped finding remarkable?
Look again
Read it like you have never heard it.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Philippians 2:7, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 1:20. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Philippians 2:7
- John 3:16
- Isaiah 53:5
- 2 Corinthians 1:20
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Seasons of the Year
All Seasons of the Year →Advent: Waiting In The Dark
Four weeks of not yet.
Lent: Forty Days Of Less
Subtraction as a spiritual practice.
Holy Week, Day By Day
The longest week in history.
Easter: The Morning Everything Changed
The claim the whole thing stands on.
New Year, Same God
Resolutions, and something steadier.
Starting Something New
New place, old nerves.