As we approach Christmas, I’ve been thinking about its multifaceted meaning.

One important part of the message of Christmas is obedience.
There are four power examples for us, today we will look at one.

First is Jesus himself. Think about who He was
Col 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Col 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Col 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,

Jesus was God who lived in heaven, the perfect place with no evil, darkness, evil or death
–He was worshipped by all
–He filled the whole universe, being everywhere at the same time.
He was all-powerful, able to create from nothing.
–He lived outside of time.
–He was free from suffering, difficulty, discouragement and danger.
He lived in beauty, plenty and perfection.

But, in obedience to the Father’s plan, He willingly left it all
He came to the earth to dwell among unwashed bodies, bad smells, lice and fleas, sickness and death.
–He lived among stubborn, rebellious, evil, and destructive people.
–He was surrounded by those who rejected him—all so different than heaven.
–And he subjected himself to young, inexperienced parents, knowing they would make mistakes.
–He limited himself to being in one place, in the tiny body of a baby, and later being a man only in Israel, no longer filling the universe. And he limited himself to one moment in time.
–He also gave up his power, his privileges, his freedom as God.
He only spoke what God the Father told him to say.
He only healed as God directed
He only acted according the plan of the Father.

And he knew the outcome of his obedience: suffering, rejection, ridicule, becoming sin, death on the cross and burial, and yet He obeyed to the last detail, and to every difficulty.

Why? Because He knew the outcome of the Father’s plan: redemption for all mankind, for the universe and the future. His obedience was worthwhile, it was of ultimate significance, and valuable because it was voluntary.

His is the epitome of obedience, a great example to us, for we, too, are also called to obedience. Jesus said, “If any man would be my disciple, he much deny himself, take up His cross daily and follow me.”

As we obey, He will guide, He will empower, He will include us in his great plans, just as the Father did for him.

The spirit of Christmas is joyful obedience to the King of Kings who knows what He is doing!