What Does the Incarnation Reveal About Christmas?

In a recent episode of Grace to You, John MacArthur turns the spotlight from the familiar story of shepherds and wise men to the theological heart of the Christmas narrative. He invites listeners to read Philippians 2:6‑11 and to consider what the passage says about the nature of Christ and the purpose of His coming.

The Heart of Philippians 2:6‑11

MacArthur begins by noting that the passage is “one of the greatest texts in all the Bible.” He points out that it contains five key steps in the incarnation: Jesus’ abandonment of a sovereign position, His self‑emptying, His taking on the form of a servant, His being made in the likeness of men, and His being made in the likeness of God’s people. The passage is presented as a concise portrait of the incarnation that moves beyond the details of the stable.

The Mystery of Kenosis

Central to the teaching is the concept of kenosis, the self‑emptying of Jesus. MacArthur explains that the Greek verb used in verse 7 means “to pour out” or “to empty.” He emphasizes that Jesus did not give up His deity; rather, He relinquished the outward expressions of His divine privilege—glory, honor, riches, and the independent exercise of authority—while remaining fully God. The speaker highlights the tension between divine privilege and human humility, inviting listeners to ponder how a deity could choose to limit Himself for humanity’s sake.

From Sovereign to Servant

After describing the kenosis, MacArthur moves to verse 7’s declaration that Jesus “took upon himself the form of a servant.” He stresses that this was not a mere role or appearance but a genuine transformation into a servant’s nature. The teaching connects this shift to the broader narrative of the incarnation, showing how Jesus’ willingness to become a servant is integral to the meaning of Christmas.

Why the Christmas Story Matters Today

MacArthur concludes by reminding listeners that the true focus of Christmas is the incarnation itself, not the commercial or cultural trappings that often dominate the season. He encourages Christians to use the holiday as an opportunity to highlight the gospel truth that Jesus came to serve and to bring redemption, rather than to lose sight of the deeper significance of the birth story.