Gifts to His Eternal Praise

Michael E. Wood

November 3, 2014

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 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

While some may judge the contemplation of the incarnation of Christ to be observed only at certain seasons, methinks that those who think that way may not truly contemplate the incarnation at all but rather have a view likened unto, “What’s in it for me?” As we search the scriptures we find that our salvation is NOT primarily about us. Yes, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Likewise, all that the Father gave to the Son shall come to Him, and He shall in nowise cast us out. Therefore, as believers and followers of Christ, we are gifts from the Father, to the Son, by the Spirit, to the praise of His glory.

This lowly babe though born a King

Did live His life; an offering.

The spotless Son of God and man

Was given by the Father’s plan

To show such love amidst the tide

Of human sin and fallen pride

And none could fathom on their own

But God the Spirit, He has shone

Into the hearts of those prepared

By grace to see the glory shared

Through death with Him; the crucified

And live with Him as justified

As sons and daughters He did raise,

As gifts to His eternal praise.