During the Covid-19 pandemic, we longed to be present with those we love but learned to communicate with them in different ways. Yet it is never quite the same as being there (v 12). Paul feels his absence from the Philippians. He thinks he may never see them again. His letter will have to suffice. 

What is clear, as he develops this theme, is that he so longs for his readers to excel. It is not that he wants any praise, but, as any caring parent, he wants the joy of knowing they have done well. So, he urges them to cooperate with God to make a difference in the world. Grumbling could tarnish their impact, so they should stop it (vs 14,15) and hold confidently and boldly to the word of life, the truth in Christ. 

Earlier in the chapter he included what is probably an ancient hymn to inspire the Philippians to have the mind of Christ (2:5–11). Now he invites them to imagine themselves as stars in the sky, shining in a ‘warped’ world. The best-known star story ever is the one about a star that led wise men to Christ the king. We, too, are called to shine the way to Christ by our blameless lives, but even more, by the presence of Christ within us (v 15). 

‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling [tabernacled] among us.’¹ Continue to praise God for the incarnation. 

The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day in many countries. The name probably originated in Victorian Britain, where a tradition developed of ‘boxing up’ leftovers and giving them to the poor. Today, in the West, Boxing Day is often a time of greed not giving. People spend large amounts of money on commodities they don’t need. None of this is said to condemn, but we are called to live differently, to ‘shine … like stars’ (v 15). We could do worse than revive the old Boxing Day tradition. Certainly, we should swim against the tide of consumer culture and think of creative ways we can do good to others. 

However, Paul takes giving several steps further. He isn’t sharing leftovers or even sharing liberally out of what he has. Instead, he offers his very self. The Philippians’ service is described as a ‘sacrifice’ and his own life is a ‘drink offering’ poured out on top, making the first sacrifice complete (v 17).² Are we willing to give ourselves completely in service of God and of others? Such a question can seem too big for us, but we can start right now in myriad small ways, at work, at home and in the church. How is God calling you to offer yourself today? 

Such self-giving is, astonishingly, a route to rejoicing (vs 17,18). Paul is able to celebrate because he is firmly focused on Christ and the ‘day’ of his coming, that is, his glorious return (v 16). He knows that on that day darkness will be dispelled and everything brought into the light. The challenge is to live our lives so that what will be important on that day is what is important to us now. Such an attitude may be derided by many, but it is the pathway to lasting joy. 

‘What can I give him...? … what I can I give him, / give my heart.’ This Christmas time, offer yourself afresh to God.³ 

¹ John 1:14  ² Cf Num 15:3–10  ³ Christina Rossetti, 1830–94, ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’