When most people think of Christmas, they picture a break from responsibility—a cozy time with family, lights, food, and gifts. But what if Christmas wasn’t meant to be a pause? What if Christmas was a mission?
Before the Manger
The Christmas story doesn’t begin in Bethlehem. It begins in heaven.
Before Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes, He was robed in glory. Before Mary held Him in her arms, He held the universe together. Jesus didn’t become God at Christmas—He was always God. Philippians 2:6 says He was “in the form of God,” meaning He had the very nature of God. All authority, all majesty, all glory belonged to Him.
And yet, He didn’t cling to it.
Instead of holding on to His rights, Jesus “made himself of no reputation” and “took upon him the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). That means He willingly stepped down—not because He had to, but because love demanded it.
Christmas is the story of a King who left His throne to save rebels.
The Mind Behind the Mission
What made Jesus do that? What was He thinking?
Philippians 2:5 tells us to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The entire Christmas story is rooted in a mindset—a way of thinking that valued obedience over comfort, humility over glory, and sacrifice over selfishness.
Jesus didn’t empty Himself just to impress us. He did it to rescue us. The mission of Christmas was not a sentimental visit from heaven—it was a full-blown rescue operation.
The Servant King
Jesus didn’t just come to earth—He came as a servant.
From the moment He entered the world, He was serving. Not because we deserved it, but because we needed it. We were the ones who had rebelled against God, and yet Jesus became a servant on our behalf.
He fulfilled the law we broke. He obeyed where we disobeyed. He served where we refused.
But the ultimate act of service wasn’t in the manger—it was on the cross. Philippians 2:8 says He “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” That’s why He came. Not just to live, but to die.
Why? Because sin isn’t just a mistake. It’s a crime against a holy God. And justice demands a price.
Jesus paid it.
He died the death we deserve so we could live the life He offers. That’s not just love—it’s salvation.
Victory at the End
But the story doesn’t end with a cross.
Philippians 2:9–11 tells us that God “hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose again. He reigns now as King. Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess. Jesus won.
And if you’ve trusted Him, you win too.
The Mission Continues
So what does that mean for you?
Philippians 2 doesn’t just describe what Jesus did—it tells us what we’re supposed to do: “Let this mind be in you.”
That’s the real challenge of Christmas.
- Let go of what you think you deserve. Jesus had every right to stay in heaven. You might think you deserve certain gifts, attention, or comfort. But the Christmas mindset says, “I won’t cling to my rights.”
- Take the role of a servant. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. Instead of asking, “What’s in this for me?” ask, “How can I serve?”
- Follow obedience all the way down. Jesus obeyed even when it meant death. Don’t quit when it’s hard. Obey when it’s inconvenient, unpopular, or unnoticed.
You don’t have to save the world—Jesus already did. But you’re called to live with the same mind that led Him from the throne to the cross.
This Christmas, don’t just admire the story. Step into the mission.
The King stepped down for you. Will you live for Him?
Bobby Bosler is director of Thee Generation and pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairmont, WV. He, his wife, Abi, and their four children traveled the country for 14 years in evangelism, reaching teens with the gospel and conducting revival meetings.
Our words. AI polished. This article was adapted from the author's original content using AI. We’ve used technology to clarify and adapt the message—while keeping the heart and voice the same. All articles are proofread and edited by a human.
