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Philippians 2:7

but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7, ESV)
Being born...

The God of the Universe... the same person of the Trinity who spoke galaxies into existence, who formed man of the dust of the ground (John 1:3) ... the same one who met with Abraham (John 8:56) ... This same Jesus... was born!

What an example of humility!

Paul is telling us to put others before ourselves, to treat others as more significant (Philippians 2:3), to look to others' needs (Philippians 2:4), and he knows that this is difficult. So, he gives us an ultimate example, the example of Christ. Jesus was the very form of God and equality with God was not something that He would have to reach for, yet He can take on the form of a servant.... and be born. This is why my favorite "Nativity Story" is the one found in John's Gospel. It is wrapped up in the words, "... the Word became flesh..." (John 1:14)

The word that is translated "emptied" comes from a Greek word meaning, empty handed, destitute. In other words, He didn't bring anything with Him. He takes the form, the external appearance, of a servant... He did't come, choosing to be born in the house of a king... but of a lowly carpenter. And he is in the same physical form as any other man. The Creator  will now know the hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain of any other man. He will also know the temptations of any other man. He truly is Immanuel -- God with Us! (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23)

When you are called upon by the Spirit of God to humble yourself and look to others, remember that there is one who has done this already for you.

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