And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:8

We live in a world that glorifies power, fame, and influence. We're taught that greatness is found by climbing a ladder, accumulating wealth, and seeking recognition for our accomplishments. Our holiday season often reflects this, with social media feeds filled with curated images of perfect homes, extravagant gifts, and flawless celebrations. The implicit message is that our worth is tied to how well we perform and how much we are seen. This pursuit of being “right” or “the best” leaves us feeling hurried and drained.

Jesus completely upends this model. The Christmas story is the beginning of an "upside-down" way of living. He could have arrived as a conquering king, but He chose to come as a helpless infant. The same divine being who spoke the universe into existence "emptied himself," not of his divinity, but of his glory, and took on the form of a servant. He didn't seek power; He chose to serve. He wasn't heralded by the elite, but by shepherds, who were seen as "dead-end jobs" and "scoundrels". This selfless act of humility—His ultimate, unhurried model—is the core of the Christmas message. He wasn't in a hurry to be seen, but to serve.

True greatness in God's kingdom is found not in seeking the spotlight, but in the quiet, humble act of serving others. As we navigate the busyness of the season, we are called to follow Jesus’s example and seek the way of humility. This means letting go of our need for recognition and finding joy in service that no one else sees. When we stop striving to be seen as the most giving or the most "right," we find a deep, unhurried peace that can only come from emulating our servant King.

Choose one area where you are seeking recognition (or need to be "right") and consciously choose to serve anonymously today.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what area of your life or Christmas preparations are you most seeking recognition or needing to be "right"?

2. What is one small, practical way you can serve a family member or coworker today without them knowing it was you?

3. How can practicing humility help you "unhurry" your Christmas season and focus on what truly matters?