In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
– Luke 2:1-7
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
– Philippians 1:1-11
The Story of Jesus
The arrival of famous and powerful people typically involves over-the-top fanfare. Imagine a celebrity rolling up to a press tour. What do you see? Perhaps a large crowd elbowing past each other for a glimpse. Paparazzi swarm the red carpet with hundreds of flashing cameras. Off to the side you might see burly security determined to keep some form of order. Then, the first sighting of the celebrity produces screams, cheers, and crying as a wave of emotion sweeps the crowd. That’s a typical response to the arrival of a prominent person in our world, right?
Well, in the Kingdom of God, the arrival of the most important person in the history of the world prompted a far different response. When Jesus, the one and only Son of God, was born there were no crowds or paparazzi present to greet Him. Instead, Jesus chose for Himself the humblest of beginnings: a dirty manger in an overcrowded town among a poor and despised people. Why would the King of the universe choose to start his reign in such a way?
By taking on the likeness of humankind and adopting the role of servant, Jesus made it possible for Himself to submit to a shameful and excruciating death on a cross. The lowly origins of Jesus demonstrate that there is no limit to what God will do to display His love and saving power for us! In the world, we are tempted to think of fame and power as the means to achieve self-worth. However, the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus shows that servanthood and humility are the path to praise and exaltation in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Reflect
Read Philippians 2:1-11, coupled with Luke 2:1-7. What do these verses teach you about the character of God? In what areas of your life can you practice the humility of Christ?
Pray
Father, thank You for the outpouring of Your love for us! There is no length You will not go to demonstrate Your saving power. You are complete and utter in Your forgiveness of our sins. We are grateful for how Jesus humbled himself by taking on human flesh, adopting the role of a servant, and choosing to die for our sins. His humility is worthy of our praise and exaltation! We worship you King Jesus in all your might and glory. Amen.