By Jurdan Counts, Pastor
El Dorado Park Avenue Baptist Church
Butler County Times Gazette/CherryRoad Media

“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…” (Phil. 2:5-11 MSG)

I love to watch Christmas movies, do you? The question I would use to answer the title of this devotional is can we see the nature of Christ in the movie? The verses you read above are the opening words from the “The Message” paraphrase of Philippians 2:5-11. Please take time to read through verse 11. What did Jesus do for you and me? He set aside his high status, humbled himself in obedience to God’s wishes, for all who would believe. Wow!

How many movies have we watched where a person of “Royal” status hides that status so that we could live like a “normal” person…and ultimately are willing to give up all the trappings of their status for love, for another. Humanly speaking the lead roles in a “Christ”mas move do not give up their focus on self willingly. The classics like “Scrooge” or “George Bailey” have to go through some dramatic live challenges before their eyes are opened to the benefits of “Selfless”, other-centered love. What does God offer you?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NASV