Philippians 2:7-8 (Message)

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had  equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to  cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When  the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the  status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human.  It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special  privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a  selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a  crucifixion.

The amazing thing about Christmas is that the Almighty God on high  knew we would ever be able to measure up enough to be worthy of his  Kingdom. But that didn’t stop His Love for us. Instead, He came for us.

He stepped aside from his status, position, and Holiness and lowered  himself because of Love. And he didn’t just do it one time, as in for  one day. He stayed and walked in our shoes for 33 years, without  entitled privileges. He came in a humble barn. He died in a humiliating  way. This is ultimate Love, that lays down his rights, lays down  justice, lays down entitlement, and lowers himself to our level, for our  sake.

If we’re honest, we all esteem ourselves better than other people  from time to time. Someone who’s wronged us, someone who’s disappointed  us or offended us… Someone who we compare ourselves to, saying… we would  never do that.

Can you picture a person in your life that fits into that category in your mind right now?

This passage starts with these words - Think of yourselves the way  Christ Jesus thought of himself. What can you do to humble yourself and  reach out to that person and show them Love today?

Maybe it’s a word of encouragement; maybe it’s just letting them know  that you were thinking about them, maybe say a prayer for them. Let’s  follow the example of Christ and let go of any entitlement or privilege,  not just a thought but in deed.

Lets pray: God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.  Love incarnate. Help us walk in that Love during the weeks of Advent,  as we wait and prepare for his coming again. Thank You for Your  unfailing, sacrificial and redeeming Love for me. Immanuel, God with us.