A HUMBLE CHRISTMAS

Jonathan Hendricks

Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”.

If someone were to ask you, “What type of Christmas do you want to have?”, what would your response be? A general response could be, “A White Christmas” or “A Merry Christmas”, etc. This is the kind of response we might expect to get from people out there.  But have you ever thought that the actual Christmas we celebrate, the Christmas according to the Bible, is “A Humble Christmas”?

The world today has a different view about Christmas. In the light of the world’s view, Christmas is certainly not “humble” but rather “entertaining”. It is a time of drinking, merry making and partying. Christmas and its true meaning have become undoubtedly man-centred. Sadly, Santa Claus, wine and other materialistic things have become centre stage in man’s heart and mind. Christ, His redemptive message and His Work on the Cross, has been all but eradicated. The reason why He came into this world and in a most humble manner is forgotten.

2 Peter 1:12 says, “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” It is needful for us to be reminded of the things that we have already known and been taught. So let us consider why Christmas is humble and how we are supposed to respond to it.

Reason for a Humble Christmas

So, why a humble Christmas? The answer is simply the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. It is a humble Christmas because of His INCARNATION. When we talk about Christ’s incarnation in the Bible, it simply means Christ who is God became Man. He became Man through the miracle of the virgin birth (Isa 7:14, Matt 1:22-23). In other words, He took upon Himself the human nature, He became man without sin though He be 100% God Himself. He did this in order to save us from sin and death. 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh”. The act of the incarnation of Christ is in itself a testimony of our Lord’s humility. John Calvin rightly said, “The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God”. The lesson we can learn here is simple, Christ who is the King of Glory, God manifest in the flesh, humbled Himself in order to save us from our sins.

The fact of His humility is seen when He came to this earth leaving His glorious throne above and became a little babe lying in a manger. But make no mistake! This humble babe in Bethlehem’s stable is God the Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. Philippians 2:7 says, “He took upon Himself a form of a servant”. This tells us that He was willing to become the Suffering Servant and offer Himself up for us on the cross and shed His precious blood for the atonement of our sins. The incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that the Christmas we celebrate is indeed a humble Christmas.

Christ’s humility is seen in his willingness to go to the cross. For this very reason, “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8). To leave His throne above in heaven and to come to die for us, pitiful and hell-deserving sinners, suffering the holy wrath of God as our Substitute is indeed humility. He Himself said that He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister [serve], and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). This speaks of His humble salvific work for us. He came to serve us by purchasing redemption for us when we couldn’t do it ourselves. What a humble and yet glorious God is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Response to a Humble Christmas

We respond by heeding to the humble example of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is surely not easy as we all do struggle with pride and sin. With God’s help we ought to try our best to walk in His footsteps. He is the supreme example, par excellence, above anyone else. He set the example in not only humbling Himself in His lowly birth but also by washing the feet of His disciples. How come it was He who washed their feet? Weren’t they [His disciples] supposed to wash His feet? He set a pattern for us, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15). We have a wonderful pattern in our Lord. Only He can help us to be humble witnesses for His glory.

Dear friends, let us be gently reminded that this is why Christmas is a humble Christmas. It points to Jesus Christ’s lowly birth and His humble salvific work for us on the cross. It’s all about Him! Christmas is certainly not about us, neither the materialistic things that are of this world. The Lord calls us to follow Him and learn from Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart (Matt 11:29). He also calls on all who are still outside of His kingdom to believe in Him and be saved (John 14:6). Only He can deliver us from the bondage of sin. For those of us who are already saved, are we reflecting the humility of Christ in our life? Philippians 2:5 exhorts us to have the same mind of humility as Christ.

May this be our goal this Christmas! May the Lord help us to do so! Amen.

 

BASIC THEOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

The Basic Theology for Everyone (BTFE) classes offered by the Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) to the laity have been a blessing to many since its inception. However, from 1962 to 1995, the classes could only benefit local students since they were conducted on campus at 9A Gilstead Road.

In 1996, FEBC offered off-campus correspondence courses towards the Certificate of Religious Knowledge (CertRK) or the Certificate of Biblical Studies (CertBS) to special overseas students already in ministry, who wish to study but not able to come to Singapore. It was decided that these correspondence courses be opened to lay students as well. These courses allow students to study at their own pace and timing. Over the years, a good number enrolled but many lost steam along the way; only one managed to complete the programme finally.

In 2008, FEBC replaced the correspondence courses with online courses which had to be taken and completed within the semester in which they were offered. This required the lay student to follow strictly the weekly lectures, meet assignment deadlines, and take the exam at the end. The number of students who succeed in completing the courses and earning their certificates (CertRK/CertBS) rose significantly. The academic discipline proved helpful. Sunday school teachers and Bible study leaders have especially benefitted from this programme.

Before COVID-19, only two video courses were offered online every semester. After COVID, with facilities to livestream our classes, the course offerings have increased. A variety of courses are now available, and you can take whichever interests you. So take advantage of this good spiritual opportunity: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

• Thirteen courses are offered on campus and/or online to the laity/public in the new semester commencing Tuesday 2 January 2024. Go to febc.edu.sg for the list of courses.
• Both day and night classes are held at 9A Gilstead Road, Singapore 309063.
• Students are encouraged to attend the classes on campus if they are able to.
• The classes will be livestreamed, and the video recordings will remain online for those unable to attend the classes physically or as scheduled.
• All who wish to take the classes whether for credit or audit are to register online at febc.edu.sg/FEBC_Online_Courses_2023_2024_Semester_2/home.html.Registration opens on December 3, 2023 and closes on January 21, 2024, 11.59pm.

Pray for FEBC

• Our regathering on the opening Day of Prayer, Tuesday 2 January 2024, Life BPC Sanctuary, 8.30 am.
• The College family to pursue after truth and love, and be united against the devil and his evil (Eph 6:12). Satan knows his time is about up, and so he does overtime in his work of destruction (Rev 12:12).
• Journey mercies for foreign students to return to College on time.
• Good enrolment for BTFE courses, for believers to know more deeply God’s Word for personal edification and Christian service.