"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor…"
2 Corinthians 8:9a (NIV)
Jesus had everything. Before Bethlehem, before the manger, before Mary's womb, Jesus possessed infinite riches. He dwelt in blazing light with the Father in perfect fellowship. Angels surrounded Him with ceaseless worship, crying "Holy, holy, holy!" He spoke galaxies into existence with a word. Everything that exists was made through Him and for Him. This wasn't just wealth in the way we understand it. This was glory, power, authority, and unlimited divine majesty. Yet Paul wants us to know something stunning about these riches. Christ willingly walked away from all of it.
The Greek word for "rich" here is plousios. It means possessing endless, infinite wealth beyond all measure. This wasn't comfortable or well-off by human standards. This was the wealth of deity itself, complete and perfect. Before the incarnation, the Son knew no limitation whatsoever. He experienced no weakness, no need, no lack of any kind. He received unbroken adoration from all heavenly beings. His glory was so brilliant that no created thing could look upon it and live.
"Though he was rich" tells us Christ's poverty was voluntary. Nobody forced the Son of God to leave heaven's throne. No cosmic crisis required His descent into human flesh. He chose to become poor for one specific reason. Paul says it plainly: "for your sake." This wasn't an accident or a tragic necessity. This was a planned, love-driven decision to enter our poverty. The eternal Word who was with God and was God chose limitation. He chose weakness, hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and finally death. All because He loved us before we ever loved Him.
This Christmas season reminds us what generosity truly looks like. It is the season to be generous, and we see the ultimate example in Christ. He didn't give from His abundance while remaining comfortable in heaven. He gave up His riches entirely to rescue us. He left the worship of angels to be rejected by men. He exchanged a throne for a feeding trough, glory for humiliation. When we talk about Christmas generosity, we often think about gifts and donations. But true generosity mirrors Christ, who gave Himself completely.
Stop and consider what this means for your own life today. What are you clinging to that feels precious and hard to release? What comfort, security, or treasure seems too valuable to give up? Now compare that to what Christ released for you. The gap between what we hold and what He surrendered is infinite. If the Son of God could leave eternal glory for you, can you trust Him? Can you trust Him with your resources, your time, your plans? Your grip on earthly riches reveals what you truly believe about His riches. Loosening that grip begins with beholding what He loosened for you.
Godseekers, the riches Christ left behind were infinitely greater than anything we possess. Yet He became poor so we could become rich in Him. This isn't just a beautiful thought to admire from a distance. This is the foundation of our faith and our freedom to give. When you truly grasp what Christ gave up for you, everything changes. The things you're holding onto start to look small and passing. The generosity that once felt impossible starts to feel like joyful worship.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your Son's incredible generosity. Before we ask for anything, we worship You for who You are. You are the God who gave everything for us. Jesus left riches we cannot even understand to enter our poverty. He walked away from glory to rescue sinners like us. Forgive us for how easily we forget the size of His gift. Forgive us for clinging to passing treasures while neglecting eternal riches. Help us this Christmas season to truly see what Christ surrendered. Melt our hearts with the reality of His love. Make us generous people who reflect Your generous heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- When you think about Christ leaving heaven's glory for a manger, does it make you treasure Him more than your earthly possessions?
- What comfort or security are you holding onto that might be keeping you from generous, Christ-like giving this season?
Step of Faith
Today, I will spend 10 minutes meditating on Philippians 2:5-11, asking God to show me what Christ gave up so I can give more freely.
