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. – Philippians 2:5-7
This advent season we have been talking a lot about the name Immanuel, meaning, God with us. This is a wonderful truth. One that comforts and encourages us. When reflecting on God being with us, I am filled with joy. There is nothing more life-giving than being in his presence.
Earlier this week, I was reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians. I came across a passage I have read many times from chapter 1:15-17; “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
“He” is Jesus. Jesus, who has existed for all eternity in perfect relationship with the Father and Spirit. Jesus, who created everything and holds it all together according to his will. Jesus, who rightfully lives in glory as a member of the Trinity, came down to earth to dwell among us, his own creation. He came to earth with full knowledge of what it would be like. He knew the persecution he would endure, the rejection from those who claimed to love him, the ridicule he would face from those he came to save, and yet he still came.
When I am invited to a gathering that begins after 7pm I say no. And the only thing that would be difficult with that is my “tiredness.” But Jesus said yes to all of it. To be present with us.
The sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross is overwhelming. Perhaps it is the enormity of it that makes it is easy for me to overlook the sacrifice Jesus made in humbling himself by “taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” This can be a sticking point for some who deny the deity of Jesus. It is unfathomable that God would willfully leave his throne in heaven and lower himself to human status. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did because “God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son (John 3:16).” This is a love that dwarfs any other, and at the same time, an example for us. This then leads to Philippians 2:5-7 (quoted above): “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Jesus’ humility and putting himself into the shoes of others so that he may dwell among them, is an example to all of us of the way we can love. That is what I am focused on this Christmas season. Just as Jesus loves us and prioritized us over his own position next to the Father, how can I express my love for those in my life by prioritizing them over self? I believe a great first step for me is to prioritize the practice of the ministry of presence.