Philippians 2

Jesus,

Paul tells us that our attitude should be like yours. Though you are God, you did not use your power to hold on to your position, but instead you emptied yourself to become a servant and, becoming human, you humbled yourself.

I pray that you help these children to understand the true meaning of Christmas - the example of the incarnation, which is as Paul describes and that these children learn the true meaning of and value of servanthood. That they will understand the power in touching hurting people, one person at a time - just as you did. Increase their joy experienced when they help, give and serve so that it becomes second nature to them to reach out to people. Give them a heart for the oppressed, the struggling, the downcast and the outcast, just as you have. Give them a desire to imitate your humility, a humility founded in strength and restrained power. A humility with full knowledge and understanding of their position as children of the King, and a full knowledge of their true citizenship. And that they too are emptying themselves of their position as royalty in your kingdom, and that they are a continuing incarnation - your hands to touch the hurting, your feet to visit the sick, your arms to embraced the unloved, your shoulders to cry on, your eyes to see what is needed in the lives of others, your mouth to speak encouragement and your ears to listen to the lonely.

Amen