Christmas Eve

So the Word became human and made his home among us. 

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1 :12 (NLT)

This tiny clay nativity scene was made in Peru. I love its simplicity and the symbolism of God's hands in the creation of life. Mary and Joseph are resting after a difficult, eventful day. Nothing was sanitized or polished in the humble place where Jesus was born. I don't pretend to believe that Jesus was born on this actual night and it really doesn't matter when he really made his human appearance. If I claim to belong to Christ, I must demonstrate his unfailing love and faithfulness every day of the year.

 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

  Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

  he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,

   that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. 

Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT)