Displaying the Radiance of Christ During the Christmas Holidays

Spinning off of a more recent article that has Philippians 2:5 in it, I’d like to highlight a few more items surrounding this text and the holiday season. You can look back at my previous blog article titled “Radiant Living: Embracing Christ-Like Grace Through the Holidays”. Echoing the wisdom of Philippians 2:5-8 (TLNT), which urges us to cultivate the same disposition as Christ Jesus, let's dive into the heart of discovering the true meaning of Christmas. During the holiday hustle and bustle, where chaos may reign, our focus must turn to embracing a life empowered with the Spirit of Christ. 

Philippians 2: 5-8 (TLNT)

Keep on fostering the same disposition that Christ Jesus had. Though He was existing in the nature of God, He did not think His being on an equality with God a thing to be selfishly grasped. But He laid it aside as He took on the nature of a slave and became like other men. Because He was recognized as a man, in reality as well as in outward form, He finally humiliated Himself in obedience so as to die, even to die on a cross.

 What exactly does this mean here?  

It looks like Jesus, existing in the divine nature, didn't cling to the idea of asserting equality with God for His own gain. Instead, He willingly set aside His divine status, taking on the role of a servant and living out His life on earth as “God with us” in human form. Being recognized as a genuine, common man, both in meekness and appearance, Jesus humbled himself further, obediently enduring the ultimate humiliation of death—specifically, death on a cross.

 The Book of Philippians, written during the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment, unfolds a key narrative in these verses, centering around Christ's humility and obedience, even unto death. Paul underscores humility as the core of Christ's life, a virtue Paul believes the Philippian believers either possess or can access as Christians. Philippians 2:5 serves as the opening proclamation, setting the stage for learning to live guided by the same Spirit as Christ in every facet of life—a challenging yet promising journey toward deep spiritual growth.

 Digging into the etymology of "Christ," we trace it back to the Greek term meaning "Anointed One," aligning with the Hebrew concept of Mashiach. In the English language, "Christlike" as an adjective signifies resembling or manifesting the Spirit of Christ, embodying the qualities and teachings of Jesus.

 Central to this Christlike journey, the Holy Spirit, will operate in diverse ways to mold Believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ. By convicting us of sin, leading us to repentance, and renewing our minds in alignment with Christ's, the Holy Spirit initiates the process of us becoming Christlike. This transformation commences with a willing and obedient spirit, submissively adapted to the Lord's will rather than the world's.

 As we navigate through the holiday season, let's not merely go through the motions. Instead, let's embark on a radiant living journey, embracing the power, anointing, and grace that emanates from the presence of Christ.  His divine power is within us. This goes above a mere seasonal holiday; it develops into a way of life that promises a profound connection with the divine God we serve and a holy joy that surpasses the chaos around us. In Him, everything is possible! Enjoy your holidays! 

Lead Editor Profile: Dr. Leonard Hoffman

With an illustrious academic and spiritual journey spanning over four decades, Dr. Leonard Hoffman serves as the editor-in-chief of the Time Line New Testament Bible. His diverse roles have seen him wear many hats—evangelist, missionary, founder of congregations, senior pastor, and esteemed international theological educator. His fervor for imparting knowledge has led him to conduct pastoral training seminars across Central and South America as well as in the Philippine Islands.

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