Read: Phillipans 2:1-11

I guess it’s about time to start my Christmas shopping. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting cut off from my parking spot at the last second or getting bumped aside by mobs of rude shoppers searching for the perfect gift!

It’s strange that people show such impatience and selfishness during the season we celebrate the humble birth of God’s Son. God didn’t force the innkeeper to throw guests out to make room for His Son to be born. He meekly accepted whatever shelter was left, even if that meant His Son had to share a space with animals. God the Father didn’t demand the nicest cradle for His Son, but was content for Him to be laid in a manger-a crude, feeding trough.

The sad fact is that often we have to be numbered with the rude and the selfish. We are impatient, aggressive and impulsive. We push and shove and trample anyone who stands in our way. We excuse ourselves by pointing at those who step on our toes, or we claim there will be nothing left for us unless we push and claw to get the things we want and need. But no matter what anyone else has done, we have to answer to God for every thought, word or deed we do.

Thankfully, God’s Son came to exchange His perfect life for our less-than-perfect life. He paid for our disobedient, self-centered life by laying down His own on the cross. For His sake our guilt is taken away and His perfection is given to us.