Merry Christmas from
SALAM in the Holy Land

 

Grace and peace to you during this holiday season. We are currently enjoying a family vacation in Branson, Missouri. Although there is no snow (yet!) we are loving the cooler weather and look forward to seeing some of the Christmas shows and festivities in the area. This is our first Christmas as a family of four. Having a baby in the house is truly one of the best ways to experience the mystery and wonder of Christmas. As I wrote during Samuel's first Christmas (you can read the article here) a baby really does change everything. Cradling a newborn and feeling the intense joy elicited by such a tiny creature really brings you face to face with the preciousness of life.

 

This season, we have been meditating on the words of Paul in his letter to the Philippians.

 

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

being made in human likeness. (Phil 2:6-7)

 

This incredible description of the incarnation has really resonated with us. The almighty, infinite creator of the universe chose to "make himself nothing" and step into the darkness and misery of the human condition in order to become a servant to the very beings he created. And he did so in order to alleviate that darkness and misery.

 

I love the words to the popular Christmas carol "O Holy Night":

 

Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

 

And later....

 

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

 

Has your soul felt its worth? Has your pining spirit received the satisfaction of companionship with the eternal Christ? Jesus, born to be our friend, no stranger to our weakness! We are known. We are loved. He came as a servant, but also a sacrifice. We cannot truly experience the joy of the incarnation without acknowledging the painful shadow of the cross. The manger must always be seen in light of the cross and likewise, the cross must always be viewed in light of the empty tomb. Almighty God, offering broken humanity a perfect redeemer in the form of a helpless infant.

 

This season, our prayer is to take to heart the words of Paul in the verse preceding his description of the incarnation.

 

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ Jesus. (Phil 2:5)

 

The same mindset: humility. Friendship and servitude to our fellow man. We must strive to attain more and more the mindset of Christ as we live our lives. May our hands be those of Jesus as we reach out to those around us and may our feet rush to share His good news.

 

Merry Christmas and may you experience the joy and peace of Christ, our friend and savior, this holiday season.

 

Jesus is Everything!

 

Rani, Hannah, Samuel & Eliza Espanioly