…though he was in the form of God, [he] did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself… Philippians 2:6-7
You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother’s womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. (life of the beloved, Nouwen, 30-31)
The concept that God became human involved an emptying of the fullness of his divinity so that he could truly become one of us. This is something that must be accepted in faith; our human reason cannot understand what it would mean for the divine nature to become human. However, in the mercy of God, he not only has done this, but he has made it known to us.
Why would God do this? To save us. To demonstrate his love for us. But also to give us an example of what it means to live as creatures made in God’s image. We, too, are called to empty ourselves, not of the divine nature but of all our sinful attitudes and selfish desires. In doing so, we renounce our slavery to sin and become servants of the divine love. Lord, empty me of myself this season so I can make more room for you.
Prayer – Heavenly Father, I want to be emptied of myself. With your coming at Christmas, I want to be ready to posses you as my treasure. Amen.