Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil 2:5-8 NAS
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Reflection
Thank you for sharing this moment with us. We know it is a sacrifice to sit and be still in God’s presence during this beautiful but busy season and we are grateful to take a few moments together to reflect on the present of His presence.
Last week we wrote to you about Jesus being the Word, and He was with God and was God, our Creator, Light, and life. We continue our Christmas conversation this week with this mind-blowing, heaven-opening moment when Jesus emptied Himself and laid aside the form of God, to take up the form of a bond-servant. He emptied Himself, humbled Himself, stepped out of His heavenly home and became flesh and dwelt among us. Immanuel, God WITH us!
The long-awaited Messiah was now cradled in the arms of His creation, fully God and fully man. It is impossible to grasp it all, but John testifies, “we saw His glory…” Yes, maybe only earthly glimpses at first, but I imagine John pondering his memories at the Mount of Transfiguration, the many miracles he witnessed and messages he heard with his own ears. John watched Lazarus walk out of the grave, picked up basketfuls of bread and fish after serving thousands… twice… John was the only disciple to watch Jesus nailed to the cross and then made sure we knew he outran Peter to the empty tomb. Imagine John, the one who describes himself as the beloved disciple, trying to put on parchment THE Glory Story for all times, all people, all of us, to believe and receive the Redeemer who emptied Himself as Judge, and instead came full of grace and truth as Savior.
How we can pray
As we walk in worship through this month, we encourage you to take time to ponder Jesus’ manger and mission; from Christmas to the cross, an empty grave and those who believe – saved! It is a lot to ponder and so we encourage you to linger for a while longer and express to Jesus in prayer what He means to you personally.
He emptied Himself to come down to us and God the Father highly exalted Him.
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:9-11
As we exalt Jesus together, would you please join us in singing or saying the third verse of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” Of course, feel free to start with the first verse.
Yes Lord, we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory giving
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ, the Lord
Would you please pray with me now?
Jesus we exalt You! We lift up Your name, as the Father has bestowed on You, the name which is above every name. We bow before You in awe, honor, and gratefulness. You emptied Yourself to fill us. You humbled Yourself that we could be saved. You left heaven so You could take us back with You; repairing the breach that had left man unable to reach heaven. Your sacrifice, Your grace and forgiveness, Your love that paid our sin debt in full, tore the veil from top to bottom and now by grace through faith we can enter into the Father’s presence in Your name. We adore You today and every day. You came and now remain in our hearts, never leaving of forsaking us, always Immanuel. Thank You Jesus, we worship You throughout this season and in every season of our lives and proclaim Christ is Lord! In Your awesome and Holy name we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
