The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
For most, the Christmas holidays are wonderful times of the year. Some would say "the most wonderful time" of the year. A big part of that is because we get to see family and relatives that we don't often see or friends we seldom cross paths with. And it's a wonderful thing to spend time with those we love and get along with! But the holidays can also be a relationally challenging time as well. First, there's the stress of doing all the things expected of us whether it's cooking, cleaning, shopping, driving, etc. Sometimes it feels like a battle out there and tensions are high with everyone trying to get to the same places to do the same things all at the same time. I think some of my worst encounters with others have come at this most wonderful time of the year. Often because I'm tired, impatient, and focused on my own needs. Secondly, with all the gatherings we may attend, we're bound to be with people we may not naturally get along with (and the feelings may be mutual). Hopefully not too often but it happens, right? It may be a relative or co-worker or friend of a friend we just don't click with.
Philippians 2:1-5 says, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
This passage teaches the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. But humility and selflessness toward others should be applied to all of our relationships. As Christians, we have a high calling to imitate Christ's humility in our treatment of others. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where Philippi was located, society often valued personal honor and status. The Apostle Paul challenges this norm by urging believers to prioritize the needs of others, consistent with Jesus' teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself." This is a great challenge for us in everyday life, especially when we're vying for the same things or interacting with people we may not click with. In those cases, we should ask ourselves what would it look like for us to not act out of selfish ambition and place others' interests above our own? Perhaps it means stepping aside, holding our tongues, or even offering a kind word and serving them. Looking back at the encounters I've had in the past, if I had been more like Christ, they might've turned out differently.
Knowing that we may get tired and impatient with others during the holidays, let us clothe ourselves with Christ. Let us take on Paul's challenge and reflect Christ's heart and humility with others. In this way, we will be truly honoring His birth which makes it the most wonderful time of the year!
Pastor Darren
