Monday 29 December 2025
And being found in human form, he humbled himself. (vs 7-8)
Background
This week’s theme, 'The Word Incarnate', suggests God’s desired involvement in the life of the world as we know it. How can this living Word of God be relevant in the life of the universe, unless it is seen in fleshy reality? Thus, we have the Christmas story: the son of God is born among us, as one of us, to know life and to be known; to love and to be loved in return. Humility seen in physical reality.
The poetry of Paul’s intimate letter to the church family in Philippi (modern-day north-east Greece) reflects the willingness of God to embrace humanity, not as someone with great power and wealth, but in lowliness he “…emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” (2:7). God chooses to be involved where people are struggling.
Many people who read this short reflection today will understand, in very different ways, what 'struggling' means. Jesus, being incarnate, the Living God, understands us, whatever our difficulties, and accompanies us with the mercy, love and grace that we read about in the gospels. Words from the hymn 'And can it be that I should gain' (Singing the Faith 345) spring to mind: “He left his Father’s throne above – so free, so infinite his grace – emptied himself of all but love…”
Wanting to understand the other person is a key component of meaningful connection. Jesus embodies this humility.
Today’s lovely passage from Philippians also goes on to say that the life of Jesus, which had such a humble beginning, ends in glory. How does that involve us in our everyday experience? It would be good to read on to verses 12 and 13 as well: “for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (2:13)
Jesus, the Word Incarnate, is both historical fact and very present, loving reality.
To Ponder:
- Today's psalm (108:1-6) is a song of praise to God, but also also a prayer to help those who are struggling. Take time to experience the more you praise God, the more likely you are to recognise God in everyday events.
Prayer
The Advent/Christmas resource 'Gifted' from the Methodist Church yesterday included the following: “In your hands, imagine someone vulnerable – a child, an elderly neighbour, someone lonely, or grieving. Ask God to help you hold them with care, in prayer and in action.” Leave a moment of stillness, then pray aloud: “God of gentleness, show us how to hold others with tenderness. May our care be your care.” Amen.
Bible notes author: Michael King
Michael is a Methodist local preacher in Salisbury and was Vice-President of the Conference in 2012/2013.