Sunday December 14, 2025

Sermon Title: The Reality of Christmas

Series Big Idea: Emphasizing the culmination of God’s promises in Jesus and the Church’s mission  

Sermon Big Idea: As the result of Christ’s humility, The Father exalted Him

Introduction

The reality of Christmas is not just the story of what happened in Bethlehem, but a revelation of who Jesus is and what He did for us. Paul calls us to see Christmas from Christ’s perspective, inviting us to share His humble, selfless mindset.

(Philippians 2:5-11)

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

He Surrendered His sovereign position (6)

Jesus, though truly God, did not insist on holding to His divine privileges. Instead, He chose to surrender His heavenly status in order to accomplish our redemption.

He became a willing Servant (7a)

Christ emptied Himself by willingly becoming a servant, exchanging His Kingly rights for humble service. His entrance into our world was marked by a posture of submission and compassion for sinners.

He Lived among the sinners (8)

Taking on true humanity, Jesus identified completely with us, experiencing daily life in a fallen world. Though He was sinless, He walked among sinful people, sharing their challenges and demonstrating God’s grace.

He modeled humble Obedience (9-11)

Jesus obeyed the Father perfectly, even when it required dying the shameful death of the cross. His humble obedience reveals both the depth of His love and the true cost of our salvation.

He is exalted as sovereign Lord

Because of His perfect humility and sacrifice, God exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name. One day, everyone in heaven and on earth will bow and acknowledge Him as Lord.

Conclusion

We will all bow before Jesus, either now in repentance and faith, or later in judgment when it is too late. Because all have sinned and need a Savior, today is the day to humbly confess Him as Lord and receive His gift of salvation.

Philippians 2:5-11 Bibliography

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Thielman, Frank. Philippians. Zondervan Publishing House, 1995.

Keown, Mark J. Philippians. Lexham Press, 2017.

Melick, Richard R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991.

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