Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
– Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
Every year, Christmas with the Kranks is a movie that fills our living room with laughter, sentimental memories, and tears. At the start of the film, Luther and Nora Krank say goodbye to their daughter as she embarks on her own journey overseas. The moment the couple realizes they are now empty nesters, spend an “outrageous” amount of money on the Christmas economy, and have built their very idea of Christmas around their daughter’s presence, they jump to an extreme solution. Boycott Christmas and go on a cruise!
A COMPLETE HALT
After years of decorating their home as part of the neighborhood spectacle, having Frosty the Snowman debut proudly on their roof, and hosting the community Christmas party, it all comes to a complete halt and tension rise within their neighborhood and within their own sense of what the season truly means.
When their daughter, Blair, unexpectedly returns home for Christmas, engaged, the Kranks are forced to abandon their cruise plans and scramble to once again put together all their traditions. This moment highlights the tension between personal desires and the needs of others. Luther and Nora are focused on what they want—to escape Christmas—but they eventually realize that Christmas is about more than themselves. It’s about love, sacrifice, and the joy of putting others first.
ACT OF HUMILITY
Philippians 2:4 encourages us to "not look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This is a powerful reminder that Christmas, at its core, reflects the ultimate act of humility and love—Jesus stepping down from heaven to become one of us, putting our needs before his own. Just as Christ humbled himself for us, we are called to humble ourselves and serve others.
Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on how Jesus came to earth not for his own sake, but for ours. His birth was the ultimate act of humility and service, as he put our needs for salvation above his own comfort and glory.
SHARE THE GIFT WITH OTHERS
Like the Kranks, we sometimes get caught up in our own plans or desires, forgetting the importance of loving and giving to others. But when we open our hearts to serve others—whether it’s family, friends, or our community—we experience the true joy and meaning of Christmas.
This Christmas, may we follow Christ’s example of humility, putting aside our own desires, so we can serve and bless those around us. Let this season be a time where we are reminded that Christmas is not about what we do or how we celebrate, but about why we celebrate—because of Jesus. His birth brings hope, love, and salvation, and it calls us to share those gifts with others.
Reflect: How can you put the needs of others first this Christmas?
