This is Christmas
This is our Sunday teaching from Leon Spence. Recorded live at our Sunday Service in Harris Academy Purley, Croydon on Sunday 1st December, 2024. Below you can find a talk summary, the full talk audio, Connect Group notes, and a full transcript.
This Is Christmas: Discovering the Humility of Jesus
As December begins, the Christmas season invites us to reflect on the wonder of God becoming man. This profound truth—often wrapped in the joy of carols and decorations—carries a depth that transforms not just our understanding of Jesus but our way of living.
Last Sunday’s talk took us on a journey into Philippians 2, where Paul paints a striking picture of Jesus’ humility. Though fully God, Jesus emptied Himself of divine privileges to live as a man, not for His benefit but for ours. This act of humility is not just a theological concept; it’s a model for how we are called to live.
The Ultimate Humility
Imagine: the Creator of the universe stepping into creation. The one who spoke stars into being was born as a helpless baby, dependent on human parents He Himself created. He served as a carpenter, obeyed His parents, and lived among the very people He came to save.
Throughout His life, Jesus consistently chose humility. He washed His disciples’ feet, embraced rejection, and endured the ultimate humiliation of death on a cross. In every moment, He put the interests of others above His own. His purpose was clear: to bring eternal life and reveal the heart of God to us.
Jesus’ humility wasn’t a sign of weakness but strength. His dependence on the Father and empowerment by the Spirit enabled Him to complete His mission. This same Spirit is available to us today, equipping us to walk in humility and love.
Embracing the Mind of Christ
The talk challenged us to adopt the "mind of Christ," a mindset marked by selflessness and service. Philippians 2 reminds us that this attitude isn’t something we have to strive to create—it’s ours in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to prioritize others' needs above our own, promoting unity and love in our communities.
But how do we live this out? Leonshared practical examples, including how to handle conflict. Instead of letting disagreements fester or gossiping, we were encouraged to follow Jesus’ example: address issues directly with gentleness and love. This not only strengthens relationships but also protects the unity of the church.
A Call to Humility
Humility isn’t just for our interactions within the church. Jesus was a friend of sinners, intentionally engaging with those on the margins. If He, the holy and righteous Son of God, could step into messy, imperfect lives, we are called to do the same.
The talk concluded with a powerful question: If God can humble Himself for others, who am I not to do the same?
As we move through this Christmas season, let’s reflect on the humility of Jesus and what it means for our lives. What if we approached each day with a commitment to serve, love, and think of others first? Imagine the transformation in our families, workplaces, and communities.
This Christmas, let’s not only celebrate Jesus’ birth but also embody the humility that brought Him to earth.