Fully Human: Joy in Humility
Christmas Letters: Part 3
December 14, 2025
Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
~Philippians 2:6-8
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Excerpts adapted from The Christmas Letters, by Magrey R. DeVega.
In a world that defines greatness as a steady climb upward, with more power, fame, and possessions, this early hymn of the church declares the opposite. Christ’s greatness is shown through servanthood and humility, the qualities our culture tells us are signs of weakness.
The God of all creation chose to take on human flesh, to breathe the same air and walk the same ground as us. If Jesus reveals the very nature of God, the incarnation tells us that God is inherently self-giving. He existed from the very beginning. He emptied himself. He humbled himself. Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him the name above all names.
But Paul does not sing this hymn simply as a description of God’s self-giving love. He introduces is it by saying that we should have the same love that is in Christ. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5).
Paul does not specify any specific issues that may have divided the church at Philippi, like he does in other letters, but he does plead with them to be united by the love of Christ no matter their differences. For Paul, his joy is made complete when a diversity of people come together with common love and common purpose, rather than letting any other filter tear them apart.
How might you cultivate a spirit of humility, curiosity, and empathy, especially toward those who are the most difficult to love?