Philippians 2:7 (NIV)

but made himself nothing,

      taking the very nature[b] of a servant,

          being made in human likeness.

The Message translates the same verse as follows:

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.

I heard this verse again last week.  I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind as I prepare or Christmas.  Yes, I wish to celebrate my Savior’s birth, but I also wish to remember what He has done for me. He took the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  Often the word “servant” is translated in The Bible as “slave”.  A slave was some who had no freedom. Who was bound by chains.  Someone like me, or like you.

There are chains that cover our eyes, diminishing our ability to love others and see them through God’s eyes. 

• Ask God to remove the chains from your eyes.

There are chains that hold us in bondage to anger and bitterness toward family members, neighbors, and co-workers.

• Ask God to remove the chains that cover your heart.

There are chains that bind us to sinful choices that break our marriage vows to love, respect, cherish, honor, and remain faithful.

• Ask God to remove the chains of a self-serving attitude.

There are chains that bind us to overspending, overeating, alcohol, drugs, and pornography.

• Ask God to remove the chains of addiction.

Thank you, God, for sending your Son set us free from the chains that bind us. Thank you for loving us more than we can comprehend.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas as you contemplate and celebrate the birth of our Savior - Jesus Christ.