And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!    
Philippians 2:8

You probably are in the midst of your Christmas shopping now. I find shopping stressful, do you?The crowds, the decisions, and the costs are overwhelming. Why have we allowed commercialism to take over this special celebration?

We should be focused on the greatest gift we can receive—eternal life through Jesus Christ. You are probably wondering: a Christmas verse from Philippians? In Philippians 2:6-11 Paul describes features of Christmas, the reason for the Season. Jesus Christ abandoned a sovereign position. He humbled Himself and became our servant.

Jesus also gave up His riches and His authority. He went from majesty to a servant. He lived among sinful people and took our sins upon Himself.

After completing His role as our servant, God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Him a name above every name.

Many of us don’t like the stress Christmas brings upon us. I am finally learning that I bring much of my holiday stress on myself. Actually, our family has changed some of our traditions. We don’t give as many gifts, we don’t do as much cooking, and we don’t decorate as much. It works! Our holiday time is more enjoyable.

God is still on the fringes of most of our lives. We fit Him into our lives when it is convenient. Yet, we become irritated when things don’t go as we think they should. It is sad that we leave Jesus out of our Christmas when He came to earth so we could have eternal life.

Think of the fretting that you spend on things that have no eternal value. Material things should not be the goal of our life. Maybe this is the year for you to reduce your holiday stress and focus on the reality of Christmas.

Georgia Andrus