In other words, Paul’s joy would increase as he witnessed the unity of God’s people increase. He gave two additional directions for how they were to achieve this unity: 1) by pursuing selfless humility (v. 3-5); 2) by remembering Jesus’ attitude at Christmas (v. 6-8). Perhaps you’ve not often considered these verses to be part of the Christmas story, but look closely at verses 6-8, and you’ll see Christmas between the lines. Jesus,Godhimself, emptiedHimself tobecome a man born of the virgin Mary. On our behalf, He came as a helpless babe, grew to be a humble and obedient man, and died on the cross for our sins. The One promised throughout all of scripture finally came. We rejoice at His coming. Our God is ever seeking to increase our joy. Through Christmas and through these verses we see the multi-faceted ways He offers it to us. First, we receive joy as we consider the great gift and fulfillment of promise that we have in Jesus. Second, we complete our joy by pursuing unity through selfless humility, considering the example of Jesus at Christmas. Third, we receive joy as we anticipate Jesus coming again to complete the story. On that day, “no more will sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground, He will come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found”. 74
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