“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB)
The season of Advent is marked by perpetual motion. It’s a time of active waiting amidst both anticipation and reflection. We’re drawn to consider the incredible depth of Christ’s love and the implications of His incarnation. At first glance, this might not seem like the most obvious Advent passage. But stay with me—this text offers a profound framework for living in the light of Christ’s coming and His Kingdom.
The Posture of Advent: Humility
Advent invites us to step into the story of Christ’s first coming, a story marked by unparalleled humility. Jesus, though fully God, willingly laid aside the privileges of divinity to take on human flesh, entering our world in the most vulnerable way—as a baby.
Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe chose to step into His creation, not as a king in a palace but as a servant among the lowly. His entire life—from His birth in Bethlehem to His death on a cross—was characterized by humility.
This humility wasn’t an abstract concept. It was embodied, lived out, and given freely. Advent reminds us that we are called to reflect this same humility in our relationships with one another. Paul’s words urge us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, out of the grace and love that we first received, value others above yourselves”
What does that look like in practice? It means letting go of our own agendas, seeking the good of others, and living out the love of God by participating in His present Kingdom.
Unity Through the Mind of Christ
Another central theme of Philippians 2 is unity—a unity rooted in Christ’s example and the power of God. Advent reminds us that Jesus came not only to reconcile us to God but also to one another. His humility paves the way for us to set our own self-desires aside and embrace the living Spirit of God that dwells within us. It’s by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit that we are able to put aside divisions and embrace our shared identity as children of God.
Paul reminds of the reality that with the power of the Spirit’s transformation and our faithfulness that we may have the same mind as Christ, a mind that is marked by love, service, and faithfulness…a faithfulness that we can stand confident because before we were, God is. In the context of Advent, this means moving beyond the superficial trappings of the season—presents, parties, and endless to-do lists—and focusing on the heart of what it means to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. It means choosing to love and serve one another despite our differences, reflecting the same grace that God has extended to us. It’s in this unity that the body of Christ shines brightly in a fractured world.
Obedience: A Response to Grace
Philippians 2 also highlights Christ’s obedience—obedience that led Him to the cross. This is a sobering yet beautiful reminder of the cost of our redemption. Advent isn’t just about the cradle; it’s about the cross. It’s about the fullness of Christ’s mission to redeem and restore and the impact that has on our context today.
As we reflect on His obedience, we’re called to respond with our own. Obedience to God isn’t about rigid rule-following; it’s about living in alignment with His will, motivated by love and a response to the relationship we have with Him. It’s about stepping into the good works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10) and letting His light shine through our actions.
Living the Advent Reality
So, what does this mean for us today, in the midst of holiday busyness, family gatherings, and cultural distractions? Advent is an invitation to live out the reality of Christ’s Kingdom here and now.
Humility in Action: This is different from charity. Consider ways to serve those around you, especially the overlooked and marginalized. Whether it’s offering a kind word, lending a helping hand, or simply being present, small acts of service reflect the love of Christ and express what it means to live as a human as God intended.
Pursuing Unity: Unity requires effort and intentionality, but it’s a powerful testimony to the love of Christ.
Listen to Him:: Take time to listen to God’s voice in this season. What is He calling you to lay down? What steps of faith is He inviting you to take?
Conclusion: The Joy of Imitating Christ
Philippians 2 paints a picture of a Savior who humbled Himself for the sake of love. This Advent season, let’s respond to that love by imitating His humility, pursuing unity, and walking in obedience.
Advent isn’t just about looking back to Christ’s first coming or forward to His return; it’s about living in the present reality of His Kingdom. As we reflect on the gift of His incarnation, may we be inspired to live as His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs the hope of the Gospel.
This season, let’s remember: Christ came down so that we could be lifted up. In turn, let’s lift others up, sharing His love and living as reflections of His grace. Jesus entered our world, so that we may enter His.
This blog was originally published on the BuddyWalk With Jesus Blog as an Advent Reflection for 2024 and a companion to the KFM Partner Ministry Misfits Advent blog of the same passage.
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