“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 2:5

I was inspired to write this Christmas message while in the midst of reading an advent reflection from Adele Finney’s “Living in the Edge.”

In one of the daily meditations, I paid a special attention on the theme about “Kenosis”. A Greek term which means “emptying.” (An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church) 

⁵ Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, ⁷ but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.Philippians 2:5-7a (NRSV)

Perhaps, your question would be, how do we empty ourselves in order to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Listen!Listening is an effective tool that we can all use to minister to one another. It enables the other person to tell a story or a life experience on how God has manifested His great love and unceasing compassion. For me, this is Kenosis. This is how we can empty ourselves. This is how Jesus and His disciples ministered to people at their time.

Reflect!This is our own ability to listen to the voice of God. What God is calling us to do for ourselves, for our church community and to the wider community that we are a part of. This is also our ability to listen to ourselves. To empty ourselves in the busyness of our lives is to pause and take some time to be in the stillness of our God.

Act!This is about doing the will of God and responding to God’s call in loving service. It should focus on uplifting the name of Jesus Christ and His message more than anyone else including our very own self. This to me is a concrete expression of Kenosis or Self-Emptying.

May God’s love and Peace be with you and your loved ones this Christmas Season.

Prayer:creating God, you call us to live in harmony with nature, one another, and with you. Now fix our eyes upon Jesus to whom your purpose for the world has been revealed, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

The Venerable Louie Engnan

Rector, Saint Michael’s Anglican Parish, Surrey

We acknowledge with respect that we worship on the unceded territory of the coast Salish people.

Our calling is to live-out the life and works of Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Word, the Administration of the Holy Sacrament and Pastoral Counselling.

We acknowledge that God is calling us to greater diversity of membership, wider participation in ministry and leadership, better stewardship in God’s creation and a stronger resolve in challenging attitudes and structures that cause injustice.

If you are an occasional attender of this church and wanting to explore your faith journey with us, you can leave a note in the Prayer Request box of this bulletin. I will personally get in touch with you because our goal is to point people to Christ and to assist you obtain peace and joy in your life. A Blessed Christmas and A Happy New Year to all of you…. In Christ Service, The Venerable Louie Engnan, Rector.