Christmas Musings #7 Disregarding the Cost

 ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 English Standard Version

               A few years ago, the song “Reckless Love” burst on the worship scene, and quickly ignited a vigorous debate about the theological underpinnings of the song. And while I never minded singing the song, many I knew found it objectionable, refusing to either sing it during worship or include it in a worship service. I understand the theological objection stemming from the idea that an all-knowing, all-powerful God could be reckless. But I wonder. As I consider the incarnation it seems that from a human point of view at least, God behaves in a somewhat reckless fashion.

               During Christmas, the advent season, we celebrate God become flesh. In Philippians Paul says that Jesus “did not count.” The word reckless comes from a middle English word, recchen, defined as “to care, heed, have a mind, or be concerned about.” Paul reminds us that Jesus did not care for being equal to God. In the incarnation, Jesus poured himself out. Of course, I’m not a trained theologian and unable, in a few short lines, to adequately address the intricacies of the incarnation. But I do meditate on what Jesus becoming a human babe means, and find this challenging subject very worthwhile. Jesus set aside all the glorifying aspects of divinity, the things that make God unapprehensible so I might apprehend, take hold of Him and somehow find salvation. God drew near, becoming flesh to save me from myself.

               We admire and label as courageous those who disregard the cost and race into danger to save the helpless. Jesus knew the cost and chose not to consider it. He did not reckon equality as something important. So when I gaze into the manger, I’m looking at a savior who set aside all the perks of position so He might be apprehensible.

               As an officer in the Army, I attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, proving that if you stay in long enough and do not die on a deployment somewhere, they will promote just about anyone. I was superior in rank to the majority of other officers, NCOs, and soldiers in the Army. The Army is a hierarchical organization, so this does not really make a comment about me, there are many Lieutenant Colonels in the ranks, but many more inhabit the lower ranks. But those subordinate in rank had to salute and comply with my lawfully given orders. I freely admit that I took a certain amount of pleasure in my position. Starting off as a private and working my way up the ladder, it was kind of nice to enjoy a little recognition. Of course, working in proximity to very senior officers and generals had a way of keeping me grounded. But still, I relished the glinting silver oak-leaves. Jesus did not.

               In the light of the incarnation, the advent, Jesus was reckless. Of course, as an omniscient being, knowing the end from the beginning presents serious philosophical challenges. But during Christmas, I set those aside and focus on the breathtaking reality of God becoming one of us; even to the point of being an infant. As Paul says, He did not consider equality with God being worth holding on to. At the core, Christmas is about setting aside perks and privileges to help the weak and lost stumbling about in darkness.