WEBVTT 00:00:00.640 --> 00:00:05.480 Well, this morning is the last Sunday before Christmas, as I mentioned earlier, and on 00:00:05.480 --> 00:00:10.800 Friday evening we had a bit of a Christmas celebration here at the church, and we talked 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:18.640 about the wonder and the mystery of the story of Jesus' birth, and we reflected on how God 00:00:18.640 --> 00:00:22.719 gave his son and how he came in the midst of the unexpected. 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:29.500 If you haven't got around to reading the Christmas story yet this year, I would encourage you 00:00:29.500 --> 00:00:30.699 to do that this week. 00:00:31.879 --> 00:00:34.859 Just encourage you to make it part of how you celebrate this year. 00:00:34.939 --> 00:00:39.620 Maybe some of you already have that tradition, but it doesn't have to be anything fancy. 00:00:39.859 --> 00:00:44.659 It's something that you could do on your own, or something that you could do with your kids. 00:00:46.299 --> 00:00:51.200 You could simply pray and just ask God to open your heart and then open up to Matthew 1 and 00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:52.700 2 or Luke 1 and 2. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:56.400 Maybe you do it with a cup of hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. 00:00:56.399 --> 00:01:01.920 Maybe, if you have the kids with you, maybe you ask them what they think about the story 00:01:01.920 --> 00:01:05.500 and have a little reflection moment as a family about it. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:09.599 But yeah, I just encourage you to do that this year. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:19.019 This morning, we want to look at what happened that day, 2,000 years ago, from a bit of a 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:19.719 different angle. 00:01:20.479 --> 00:01:24.979 We've already talked about how the child in the manger was and is the son of God. 00:01:25.639 --> 00:01:32.679 We've already talked about how he was and is the Messiah, a king, and how someday he will 00:01:32.679 --> 00:01:33.500 return to reign. 00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:38.939 But this morning, we want to look at another wonderful reality of just who this child was 00:01:38.939 --> 00:01:42.700 and is and how he came to lie in that manger. 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:50.039 In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he writes with a lot of passion and heart to the church 00:01:50.039 --> 00:01:50.680 of Philippi. 00:01:51.379 --> 00:01:56.299 And for a moment in his letter, he comes to speak to them about their relationships with 00:01:56.299 --> 00:01:56.780 each other. 00:01:56.780 --> 00:02:02.939 We know from reading the letter that there has been conflict and disagreement in the 00:02:02.939 --> 00:02:03.299 church. 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:11.319 And so Paul writes to urge them to change their minds toward one another, to come to a different 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:13.219 attitude than some of them have been having. 00:02:13.699 --> 00:02:16.219 Let's read together what he wrote. 00:02:17.580 --> 00:02:22.180 Philippians chapter 2, starting in verse 1. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:32.219 Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from 00:02:32.219 --> 00:02:41.640 his love, if any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make 00:02:41.640 --> 00:02:52.159 my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in the same love. 00:02:52.180 --> 00:02:54.960 In spirit and of one mind. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:03:02.960 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 00:03:04.060 --> 00:03:10.060 Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:16.379 Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others. 00:03:16.379 --> 00:03:25.460 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who being 00:03:25.460 --> 00:03:35.039 in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:44.759 Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human 00:03:44.759 --> 00:03:45.399 likeness. 00:03:46.539 --> 00:03:54.019 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death. 00:03:54.859 --> 00:03:57.280 Even death on a cross. 00:03:59.859 --> 00:04:02.219 This is a marvelous passage. 00:04:02.219 --> 00:04:07.439 Paul starts with his words of encouragement and reminder. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:10.439 And then he gives a few words of instruction. 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:16.879 And then he gives an example of the kind of attitude and mindset that he is urging them to have. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:19.420 And the example is Jesus. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:27.800 In verse 5, he says, in your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:32.939 And then Paul tells us a little bit about the mindset of Jesus. 00:04:32.939 --> 00:04:35.439 Verse 6. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:46.459 Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. 00:04:47.259 --> 00:04:56.319 Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 00:04:56.319 --> 00:05:05.819 So Paul starts by reminding us of just who Jesus was before he came into our world. 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:11.279 Who being in very nature God. 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:14.120 Before the manger. 00:05:15.659 --> 00:05:18.439 Even before he came to be conceived in Mary's womb. 00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:21.819 He was in very nature God. 00:05:23.019 --> 00:05:23.659 Divine. 00:05:23.659 --> 00:05:23.779 Divine. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:23.899 Divine. 00:05:25.099 --> 00:05:32.579 And even to unpack this statement alone suggests that we really need to look back at all the scriptures. 00:05:32.919 --> 00:05:37.000 And be reminded of what does it mean to be God. 00:05:38.019 --> 00:05:42.019 It means to be the Almighty One. 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:44.399 The Creator. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:47.459 The Sustainer of all things. 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:49.719 To be righteous. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:51.419 Holy. 00:05:52.639 --> 00:05:53.219 Just. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:55.139 Good. 00:05:56.339 --> 00:05:57.019 Loving. 00:05:58.299 --> 00:05:58.879 Faithful. 00:06:00.119 --> 00:06:03.039 One who always keeps his promises. 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:07.419 It means to have the highest rank above all. 00:06:08.419 --> 00:06:10.500 To be the one who knows all things. 00:06:11.099 --> 00:06:13.319 The one who can do as he pleases. 00:06:14.159 --> 00:06:17.639 It means to be the glorious one. 00:06:18.799 --> 00:06:19.359 Beautiful. 00:06:20.059 --> 00:06:20.419 Perfect. 00:06:20.599 --> 00:06:21.899 In all of who he is. 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:24.979 This is who God has revealed himself to be. 00:06:26.679 --> 00:06:27.819 Jesus Christ. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:31.120 Existed in his very nature. 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:31.780 Or form. 00:06:31.780 --> 00:06:32.340 Or form. 00:06:32.340 --> 00:06:34.439 As this one God. 00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:38.280 But while that was true. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:43.680 It says that he did not consider equality with God. 00:06:44.139 --> 00:06:47.040 Something to be used to his own advantage. 00:06:47.040 --> 00:06:47.680 So. 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:49.740 So he had equality with God. 00:06:49.819 --> 00:06:53.840 But he did not consider that equality that he had. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:56.480 As something to be used to his own advantage. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:06:58.040 He had the rights. 00:06:58.040 --> 00:06:59.360 And the privileges. 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:00.900 That go. 00:07:01.460 --> 00:07:02.020 With. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:03.080 Being. 00:07:03.340 --> 00:07:04.360 In very nature. 00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:04.960 God. 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:06.480 He had the glory. 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:09.020 And yet. 00:07:09.160 --> 00:07:09.840 He considered. 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:10.600 He thought. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:12.259 He chose. 00:07:12.400 --> 00:07:13.220 To do something. 00:07:13.700 --> 00:07:14.340 Completely. 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:15.840 Unnecessary. 00:07:16.220 --> 00:07:17.120 For him to do. 00:07:18.819 --> 00:07:20.379 What did he choose to do? 00:07:20.379 --> 00:07:23.860 He chose. 00:07:23.860 --> 00:07:25.279 To make himself. 00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:26.360 Nothing. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:29.860 I believe that's a figure of speech. 00:07:30.300 --> 00:07:31.600 Meant to describe how. 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:32.680 Jesus. 00:07:33.040 --> 00:07:33.639 Went. 00:07:34.659 --> 00:07:34.860 From. 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:35.759 Being. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:36.480 And having. 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:37.379 Everything. 00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:39.620 To by comparison. 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:40.459 Now being. 00:07:40.659 --> 00:07:41.180 And having. 00:07:41.719 --> 00:07:42.060 Nothing. 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:45.259 It's the difference between. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:46.139 Heaven. 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:47.759 And earth. 00:07:48.680 --> 00:07:49.779 It's the difference between. 00:07:49.779 --> 00:07:50.859 Creator. 00:07:51.559 --> 00:07:52.359 And creature. 00:07:53.739 --> 00:07:54.939 He made himself. 00:07:55.539 --> 00:07:55.939 Nothing. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:07:58.479 By taking. 00:07:58.839 --> 00:07:59.759 The very nature. 00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:01.159 Of a servant. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:03.599 Being made in human likeness. 00:08:04.939 --> 00:08:05.179 So. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:06.819 Paul tells us two ways. 00:08:06.899 --> 00:08:07.899 That he made himself. 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:08.419 Nothing. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:11.099 The first one. 00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:13.059 By taking the very nature. 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:14.419 Of a servant. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:16.879 God. 00:08:17.019 --> 00:08:17.899 Is the master. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:19.000 Of all. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:19.500 All. 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:21.060 And his creatures. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:22.459 Whether it's angels. 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:23.220 Or us. 00:08:23.459 --> 00:08:24.279 We're right. 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:25.199 To serve him. 00:08:26.139 --> 00:08:27.360 Because he is the master. 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:27.740 Of all. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:28.579 He's the creator. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:29.060 Of all. 00:08:29.160 --> 00:08:29.540 The owner. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:30.019 Of all. 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:32.360 But now we read. 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:32.980 That Jesus. 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:34.299 Though he was God. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:35.220 Though he was. 00:08:35.500 --> 00:08:35.960 The master. 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:36.620 Of all. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:38.379 He took up. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:39.639 The very nature. 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:41.580 He truly became. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:42.700 A servant. 00:08:42.700 --> 00:08:43.940 The one. 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:46.040 The one. 00:08:46.040 --> 00:08:46.740 That rightly. 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:47.700 Deserves. 00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:49.180 All service. 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:51.040 Became. 00:08:51.960 --> 00:08:52.440 One. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:53.180 Of the servants. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:55.680 And it's difficult. 00:08:55.680 --> 00:08:56.020 For us. 00:08:56.060 --> 00:08:56.660 To feel the weight. 00:08:56.700 --> 00:08:57.080 Of this. 00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:58.100 Especially. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:08:59.200 In our modern days. 00:08:59.740 --> 00:08:59.980 Where. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:01.340 We hear so much. 00:09:01.540 --> 00:09:02.220 The truth. 00:09:02.520 --> 00:09:02.720 That. 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:03.440 We're. 00:09:03.440 --> 00:09:03.940 We're all. 00:09:04.100 --> 00:09:04.520 Equal. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:05.500 With one another. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:05.620 Another. 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:08.100 But there used to be days. 00:09:08.100 --> 00:09:08.720 When things. 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:09.779 Were very different. 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:11.000 Where you had the king. 00:09:11.019 --> 00:09:11.639 Of the land. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:13.240 You had the servants. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:13.899 Of the king. 00:09:14.419 --> 00:09:15.200 And it was. 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:15.840 The servants. 00:09:16.100 --> 00:09:16.399 Duty. 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:17.539 To serve the king. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:18.960 And it was the king's. 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:19.720 Privilege. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:20.840 And right. 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:22.240 As royalty. 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:23.519 To be served. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:24.240 By the servant. 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:26.340 And you would never. 00:09:26.460 --> 00:09:27.100 Find a king. 00:09:27.179 --> 00:09:28.000 In those days. 00:09:28.519 --> 00:09:29.820 Washing his own dishes. 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:31.960 That was the duty. 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:32.799 Of the servants. 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:34.480 I mean. 00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:35.340 Can you imagine it. 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:35.840 For a moment. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:36.680 A king. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:37.660 Stepping down. 00:09:37.660 --> 00:09:38.560 Off of his throne. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:40.040 Taking off his. 00:09:40.139 --> 00:09:41.000 His royal. 00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:41.899 Garb. 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:43.580 Setting down his. 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.160 Crown. 00:09:44.280 --> 00:09:44.940 And his scepter. 00:09:45.060 --> 00:09:45.920 And then walking down. 00:09:45.920 --> 00:09:47.000 Into the castle kitchen. 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:48.060 Rolling up his sleeves. 00:09:48.060 --> 00:09:48.560 And saying. 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:49.920 To one of the servants. 00:09:49.920 --> 00:09:51.300 You take the night off. 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:52.100 I'm going to take care. 00:09:52.180 --> 00:09:53.060 Of the dishes tonight. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:55.139 It's unimaginable. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:56.920 You can almost hear. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:57.759 The loyal servant. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:58.200 Saying. 00:09:58.399 --> 00:09:59.300 Please my lord. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:00.440 Let the king. 00:10:00.560 --> 00:10:02.000 Not dirty his clothes. 00:10:02.300 --> 00:10:03.620 I'm happy to serve. 00:10:03.920 --> 00:10:04.560 My king. 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:06.159 It wouldn't be right. 00:10:06.299 --> 00:10:07.079 It wouldn't be fitting. 00:10:07.079 --> 00:10:08.559 For you to do such a thing. 00:10:11.839 --> 00:10:12.959 How much more. 00:10:13.159 --> 00:10:13.979 Not right. 00:10:14.419 --> 00:10:15.179 Or fitting. 00:10:15.839 --> 00:10:16.319 Is it. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:17.799 For God. 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:20.439 Who is truly deserving. 00:10:20.439 --> 00:10:21.839 Of all of our service. 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:24.439 To stoop down. 00:10:24.819 --> 00:10:25.299 Beneath. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:25.699 Us. 00:10:25.699 --> 00:10:28.039 And become a servant. 00:10:28.219 --> 00:10:28.799 Of us. 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:30.719 And serve us. 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:33.080 He made himself. 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:34.080 Nothing. 00:10:34.759 --> 00:10:36.600 By taking the very nature. 00:10:37.160 --> 00:10:38.200 Of a servant. 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:41.080 The second. 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:41.940 Way. 00:10:43.160 --> 00:10:44.420 That he made himself. 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:44.860 Nothing. 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:45.779 Paul says. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:46.820 Is by being made. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:48.019 In human likeness. 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:49.899 He made himself. 00:10:50.060 --> 00:10:50.399 Nothing. 00:10:50.519 --> 00:10:51.700 By being made. 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:53.540 In human likeness. 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:54.039 Is. 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:55.259 Let those words. 00:10:55.259 --> 00:10:56.259 Sink in for a moment. 00:10:57.959 --> 00:10:59.319 I think you are probably. 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:00.179 Hearing them right. 00:11:00.339 --> 00:11:00.719 Compared. 00:11:01.059 --> 00:11:02.039 To who God is. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:04.279 We are nothing. 00:11:06.319 --> 00:11:07.439 That's how great. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.360 How glorious. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:10.360 How powerful. 00:11:11.099 --> 00:11:11.799 He is. 00:11:12.799 --> 00:11:14.079 To go from being. 00:11:14.079 --> 00:11:14.939 In very nature. 00:11:15.099 --> 00:11:15.399 God. 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:16.179 To being made. 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:17.240 In human likeness. 00:11:17.839 --> 00:11:18.159 Is. 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:18.679 Is. 00:11:18.679 --> 00:11:20.079 Figuratively speaking. 00:11:20.439 --> 00:11:20.779 Like. 00:11:20.979 --> 00:11:21.919 Going from having. 00:11:22.099 --> 00:11:22.519 And being. 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:23.279 Everything. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:25.859 To having. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:26.339 And being. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:27.120 Nothing. 00:11:30.059 --> 00:11:31.839 It's not just a little step down. 00:11:31.959 --> 00:11:32.620 It's a massive. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:33.679 Step down. 00:11:35.039 --> 00:11:36.459 We're talking about the one. 00:11:36.599 --> 00:11:37.620 Who spoke the whole. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:38.439 Universe. 00:11:38.599 --> 00:11:39.259 Into being. 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:40.219 The universe. 00:11:40.359 --> 00:11:41.359 That we haven't even found. 00:11:41.459 --> 00:11:42.239 The end of yet. 00:11:43.959 --> 00:11:45.319 We know it's incredibly. 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:45.959 Massive. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.659 The one that spoke. 00:11:47.659 --> 00:11:48.919 That into being. 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:50.159 Was made. 00:11:50.219 --> 00:11:51.240 Into one of those. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.019 Tiny. 00:11:52.519 --> 00:11:52.919 Little. 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:54.939 Two-legged walkers. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:56.980 On that one little planet. 00:11:57.959 --> 00:11:59.539 That's like the size of a pinhead. 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:00.699 In the ocean. 00:12:01.299 --> 00:12:02.019 Of the cosmos. 00:12:04.579 --> 00:12:05.579 That's the difference. 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:06.480 Between God. 00:12:07.079 --> 00:12:07.839 And man. 00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:09.719 Creator. 00:12:10.719 --> 00:12:11.299 And creature. 00:12:13.980 --> 00:12:14.819 Paul says. 00:12:15.179 --> 00:12:16.579 Being made in human likeness. 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:19.799 And we have to be a little careful here. 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:21.159 That we don't take that to mean. 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:23.299 That he only appeared to be like us. 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:25.919 Other passages throughout the New Testament. 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:26.939 Make it clear that. 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:29.199 He really did become a human being. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:30.959 As Paul said. 00:12:31.459 --> 00:12:32.360 In Colossians. 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:33.419 Chapter 2. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:34.019 Verse 9. 00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:35.480 For in him. 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:36.219 In Christ. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.860 All the fullness. 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:38.939 Of deity. 00:12:40.219 --> 00:12:40.699 Dwells. 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:42.639 In bodily form. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:45.379 Nobody in Jesus' day. 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:46.919 Thought he was less than human. 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:48.159 In fact. 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:49.500 The problem was. 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:50.120 That his opponents. 00:12:50.120 --> 00:12:51.759 Saw him as merely human. 00:12:51.960 --> 00:12:53.139 Just like everyone else. 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:55.639 And the reason they did. 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:56.319 Is because he. 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:57.240 He was human. 00:12:58.120 --> 00:13:00.120 The word became flesh. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:01.799 And lived among us. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:02.939 As John. 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:04.279 Said in his gospel. 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:06.159 And this is a mystery. 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:08.139 How could this be? 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:11.199 How could Jesus be both God and man. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:13.100 At the same time. 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.779 But Paul tells us. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:18.559 That it was a step down. 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:20.000 For Jesus. 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:22.899 From having and being everything. 00:13:23.679 --> 00:13:25.559 To now having and being. 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:26.779 Nothing. 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:30.279 We might consider those words. 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:31.340 That Jesus prayed. 00:13:31.659 --> 00:13:33.080 On the eve of his betrayal. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.500 Father. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:37.500 Glorify me. 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.519 In your presence. 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:39.940 With the glory. 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:41.320 I had with you. 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:43.460 Before the world began. 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:46.519 In some mysterious way. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.899 That we don't fully understand. 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:50.320 Coming down from heaven. 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:53.000 And being made in human likeness. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:55.399 Meant that Jesus did not have. 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:56.980 The same glory. 00:13:57.580 --> 00:13:59.120 As he had before he came. 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:01.440 He was still God. 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:04.879 But his glory was now veiled. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.519 Begled. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:06.720 By his humanity. 00:14:08.679 --> 00:14:09.860 It was still there. 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:11.139 In some measure. 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:12.340 It shone through. 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:13.360 At different moments. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:14.279 For people to see. 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:15.100 As John said. 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:16.299 We saw his glory. 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:19.299 But as he walked the earth. 00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:21.120 He did not have. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.259 The full splendor. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.480 Of what he had in heaven. 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:25.480 Before he came down. 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.980 And he chose. 00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:30.259 To not exercise. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:32.259 His divine rights. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:32.899 Rights. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.700 And privileges. 00:14:34.939 --> 00:14:35.480 And instead. 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:36.279 Live. 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.600 As a human being. 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:39.919 As a human being. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:40.679 Ought to live. 00:14:41.480 --> 00:14:42.779 In submission to God. 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:44.639 In submission. 00:14:44.899 --> 00:14:46.299 To his mother and father. 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:48.200 In submission. 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:49.700 To the governing authorities. 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:50.399 Of his day. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.200 Paying taxes. 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:53.240 And such. 00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:53.320 Church. 00:14:54.919 --> 00:14:56.899 The one who had the rights. 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.340 Privileges. 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.519 And freedom. 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:00.960 Of being. 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:01.799 God. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.600 Chose to lay down. 00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:05.000 His rights. 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:05.899 Privileges. 00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:06.480 And freedom. 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:08.639 To become one of us. 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.840 And to serve us. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:12.779 And this is amazing. 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:16.620 A lot of the songs. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.319 That we sing. 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.600 Have the name. 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:19.360 Emmanuel. 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:21.459 Which means. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.559 God with us. 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:23.120 In them. 00:15:24.059 --> 00:15:24.980 But Emmanuel. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:25.879 Doesn't just mean. 00:15:25.959 --> 00:15:26.720 God is with us. 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.240 In the sense. 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:27.759 That he's. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.019 He's thinking about us. 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:30.179 Or. 00:15:30.459 --> 00:15:31.439 That he's. 00:15:31.819 --> 00:15:33.279 Working behind the scenes. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:34.059 For us. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:35.019 On our behalf. 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:36.759 It means. 00:15:36.939 --> 00:15:37.360 God. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:37.939 Himself. 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:38.759 Actually. 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:39.720 With us. 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:41.179 Here. 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.019 Among us. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:44.159 In the person. 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:44.799 Of Christ. 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:48.319 And not just. 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.399 Among us. 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:49.659 But. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:51.600 As. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:52.659 One of us. 00:15:54.079 --> 00:15:54.639 Here. 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:55.079 To live. 00:15:55.179 --> 00:15:55.720 With us. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.360 To share. 00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.620 In what we are. 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.240 As human beings. 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:01.539 It's amazing. 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.439 But what I couldn't. 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.079 Get away from. 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:04.340 Is. 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.319 I reflected on. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:06.559 On these words. 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:07.039 Of Paul. 00:16:08.439 --> 00:16:09.319 Is that we. 00:16:09.439 --> 00:16:10.159 We get more. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:11.159 Than just a description. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:11.720 Of what. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.399 Jesus did. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:12.920 At Christmas. 00:16:12.920 --> 00:16:14.139 This is amazing. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:14.680 This huge. 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:15.460 Step down. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.259 From. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.080 The glory. 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:17.660 Of heaven. 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:18.800 To. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:19.960 The nothingness. 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:20.620 Of being. 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:21.740 Made. 00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.620 In human likeness. 00:16:24.060 --> 00:16:24.480 And becoming. 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:25.019 A servant. 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:26.899 But we get more. 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:27.320 Than that. 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:28.180 We get a description. 00:16:28.180 --> 00:16:28.980 Of why. 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:29.840 He did it. 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:32.060 We get a description. 00:16:32.060 --> 00:16:32.660 Of what his. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.420 Attitude. 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:34.480 And. 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:34.980 His. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:36.000 Mindset. 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:36.519 Was. 00:16:37.180 --> 00:16:37.920 In all of it. 00:16:37.919 --> 00:16:39.500 He made. 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.479 This massive trip. 00:16:40.599 --> 00:16:41.240 From the glory. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:41.599 Of. 00:16:41.959 --> 00:16:42.279 Of. 00:16:42.919 --> 00:16:43.360 Heaven. 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.500 To the nothingness. 00:16:44.599 --> 00:16:45.139 Of being. 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:45.819 A human. 00:16:46.099 --> 00:16:46.799 And a servant. 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.139 Out of love. 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.679 For you. 00:16:52.979 --> 00:16:53.879 And for me. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:57.939 And this is where. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.659 It all comes back. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.179 To what Paul. 00:16:59.279 --> 00:16:59.939 Started with. 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:01.620 Says. 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:02.279 Do nothing. 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:04.380 Out of selfish ambition. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:06.799 Or vain conceit. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:08.759 Rather. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.180 In. 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.180 Humility. 00:17:10.900 --> 00:17:11.819 Value others. 00:17:11.880 --> 00:17:12.720 Above yourselves. 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.559 Not looking. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.120 To your own. 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:15.680 Interests. 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.420 But each of you. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.240 To the interests. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:18.740 Of the others. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.220 This is the very. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:20.900 Mindset. 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.480 And attitude. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.759 That Jesus had. 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:25.019 Which brought him. 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:26.539 From heaven's glory. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.600 To the squalor. 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:29.200 Of a stable. 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.839 And if there was ever. 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:33.160 Anyone who had the right. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.019 To. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.559 Put his own interests. 00:17:35.559 --> 00:17:36.500 Ahead of others. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.100 It's God. 00:17:39.640 --> 00:17:40.519 It's Jesus. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:42.599 Even to uphold. 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:43.599 His own glory. 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.779 Is right. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.900 It's good. 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:47.259 That's who he is. 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:48.660 And yet. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.400 Jesus chose. 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.859 To look to our interests. 00:17:51.619 --> 00:17:52.779 To our. 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:53.539 Great. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.160 Need. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.440 And amazingly. 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.700 To treat us. 00:17:58.839 --> 00:18:00.079 His creatures. 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:03.099 As more important. 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.119 Than himself. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:07.900 Talk about humility. 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:10.700 And what gets me. 00:18:10.780 --> 00:18:11.480 In this passage. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.440 As we've been reading. 00:18:13.580 --> 00:18:14.700 Is that he did this. 00:18:14.840 --> 00:18:16.140 Not because he had to. 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:19.500 He didn't come down. 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:20.660 Begrudgingly. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.160 We don't hear Jesus. 00:18:23.300 --> 00:18:24.400 Complaining all the way. 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:25.040 To the cross. 00:18:25.060 --> 00:18:26.480 About how good he had it. 00:18:26.540 --> 00:18:27.460 Compared to now. 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:28.920 No. 00:18:29.040 --> 00:18:30.080 He chose this. 00:18:30.580 --> 00:18:31.100 Willingly. 00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:33.320 Out of love. 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:36.060 To give up his divine rights. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:37.220 And freedom. 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.039 And privileges. 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:38.819 And eventually. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.079 His very life. 00:18:40.379 --> 00:18:41.599 On that cross. 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:43.179 To save us. 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:47.019 That's the true spirit. 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:47.720 Of Christmas. 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:50.619 That's the spirit. 00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:52.059 The mindset. 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.879 The attitude. 00:18:53.139 --> 00:18:54.139 Of the Christ. 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.599 Whose birth. 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:56.659 We celebrate. 00:18:57.460 --> 00:18:58.099 At Christmas. 00:19:00.899 --> 00:19:01.759 And so. 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:04.379 May God give us grace. 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:05.720 And power. 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:06.640 So that that. 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:08.040 Can be our attitude. 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.540 This Christmas. 00:19:10.020 --> 00:19:10.740 Our mindset. 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.500 What can we do. 00:19:13.580 --> 00:19:14.440 In this strange. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.760 Christmas week ahead. 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:17.600 To bless others. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:20.980 To meet the needs. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:21.880 Of others. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.660 It may cost us something. 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:28.500 But as with Jesus. 00:19:28.820 --> 00:19:29.420 So with us. 00:19:29.520 --> 00:19:31.600 Love will pay that personal cost. 00:19:31.760 --> 00:19:32.640 For the sake of another. 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:32.759 Mother. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:36.860 Maybe it's making a few phone calls. 00:19:38.560 --> 00:19:39.700 Checking in on somebody. 00:19:39.820 --> 00:19:40.500 Who lives alone. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:43.660 Maybe it's helping someone. 00:19:43.780 --> 00:19:44.320 In your family. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.759 Who hasn't got all the tech stuff. 00:19:45.840 --> 00:19:46.300 Figured out. 00:19:46.380 --> 00:19:48.040 To connect with some distant relatives. 00:19:48.040 --> 00:19:48.540 Online. 00:19:50.020 --> 00:19:51.480 Maybe it's dropping off a meal. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:52.120 For someone. 00:19:53.580 --> 00:19:54.320 Maybe it's. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.960 Going for a walk around town. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.380 With someone. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.000 Who's feeling. 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:58.520 Down or discouraged. 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:00.879 Maybe it's. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:02.480 Even driving an hour or two. 00:20:02.639 --> 00:20:04.000 Just to see someone you love. 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.079 At the front door. 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:06.400 And take a few minutes. 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.099 To say hi. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.900 Ask how they're doing. 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.279 What's going on. 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:13.359 In the lives of the people. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:14.680 That you know. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:15.740 This Christmas. 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.200 How's all this. 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.539 Stuff that's been going on. 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:21.059 In our world. 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:21.859 Affecting them. 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:24.959 What might you. 00:20:25.479 --> 00:20:26.459 Be willing to give up. 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.259 In order to meet. 00:20:27.719 --> 00:20:28.219 Their need. 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:34.019 Father in heaven. 00:20:35.919 --> 00:20:37.159 We ask that you would. 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:37.819 Press. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:39.799 This wonderful truth. 00:20:39.939 --> 00:20:41.099 Of who Jesus is. 00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:42.119 And what he has done. 00:20:42.459 --> 00:20:42.919 For us. 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.859 Into our hearts. 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:46.459 And show us. 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:47.299 Give us wisdom. 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:48.919 Give us guidance. 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.619 Help us to see. 00:20:50.619 --> 00:20:51.500 The needs of others. 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:52.199 Around us. 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:53.079 This Christmas. 00:20:54.899 --> 00:20:55.779 And show us. 00:20:55.859 --> 00:20:56.779 What we have to give. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.419 Help us to be willing to. 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.719 Get over ourselves. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:02.659 In some cases. 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:03.879 Or to. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.719 To give up. 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:05.439 Something. 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.419 In some cases. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.799 To pass on. 00:21:10.939 --> 00:21:11.339 Our own. 00:21:12.139 --> 00:21:12.559 Comfort. 00:21:13.739 --> 00:21:14.699 In order to. 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.919 Show your love. 00:21:17.399 --> 00:21:18.459 We ask this in. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.459 Christ's name. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:20.899 Amen. 00:21:20.899 --> 00:21:21.079 Amen. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.019 Amen. 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:23.099 Amen. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:25.139 Amen. 00:21:25.479 --> 00:21:27.219 Amen. 00:21:27.219 --> 00:21:28.019 Amen. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.099 Amen. 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:28.439 Amen. 00:21:28.439 --> 00:21:28.519 Amen. 00:21:28.519 --> 00:21:29.000 Amen. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.379 Amen. 00:21:29.479 --> 00:21:29.839 Amen. 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:29.919 Amen. 00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.239 Amen. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.319 Amen. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:32.359 Amen. 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:33.019 Amen. 00:21:33.239 --> 00:21:34.139 Amen. 00:21:42.219 --> 00:21:42.619 Amen. 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:43.219 Amen. 00:21:43.219 --> 00:21:43.639 Amen. 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:45.319 Amen. 00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:49.659 Amen.