Philippians 2:6-11 (NLT) - “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
As we look at the birth of Jesus with our nativity scenes creating peaceful and beautiful images, we can’t help but realize that He was born in the shadow of the cross. Born to live and die that we may be born again. This is the reality for which we live, alive in the miracle of Emmanuel, “God with Us,” and yet dying for the sake of others in the shadow of His cross. This is the reality of Christ that reigns over our lives, our churches, our ministries and our families. What grace to be invited into the same ‘attitude’ as Christ and to live this out for the sake of others.
Today, as we pray, let’s listen to Chris Tomlin’s song, “He Shall Reign Forevermore.” Let’s ask the Lord for this Christ-like attitude in all that we do, and that this love of Jesus will reign in our hearts. Out of deep gratitude for His salvation, let’s ask for the love to lay our lives down for others. Only God can give us this love, this attitude, this life ‘in the shadow of the cross.’ As we pray let’s continue to pray for our upcoming conference asking that we would experience this love and receive it afresh for the year ahead.
Chris Tomlin, “He Shall Reign Forevermore”
