Humility.
It is a concept that is often lost in a world where the pursuit of self-promotion and esteem reigns supreme. Our culture feasts on the lifestyles of the rich and the famous— actors, athletes, and musicians who spend the bulk of their energy ensuring their reservations in the limelight. In the end, we're all striving for the same, for pride and self-exaltation are in our DNA. We desperately want to be noticed.
In stark contrast, Christmas is a celebration of the greatest display of humility in the history of the universe: God becoming a human.
There are few passages in the scriptures that capture the reality of what transpired at advent better than Philippians 2:5-11. The chasm between God’s throne and that lowly manger in Bethlehem was infinite. Only a God of infinite power and wisdom possessed the ability to bridge a gap so expansive. Everything about that first Christmas night asserted his humility. His poor parents, a filthy stable, a feeding trough, shepherd visitors, the town of Bethlehem—all served as a testimony to his self-ascribed meekness. And his personification of humility would not end at the manger scene; rather, this was merely the preface to a grand story of modesty.
While fully maintaining his divinity, he set aside all of the rights to which he was entitled. He became human, but not just any human—a lowly servant. He would spend his days ministering to the poor, the sick, the outcasts...the sinners. His servitude would reach a pinnacle as he willingly scorned the shame of a criminal's cross— one ultimately reserved for the very people responsible for nailing him there. On that forsaken tree, his righteousness would be exchanged for all of the wretchedness of mankind, subjecting himself to the appropriate wrath of the Father.
From his preincarnate glory on his heavenly throne to a meek baby lying in a wooden manger to a stripped and beaten criminal hanging on an executioner’s cross...
...this was the great condescension of God.
Starter Prayer:
Jesus,
Thank you for your powerful demonstration of humility. Thank you for condescending to live among us, to love us, to serve us, and ultimately to die for us. Empower me to live a life that models your servitude and humility.
Amen.
In stark contrast, Christmas is a celebration of the greatest display of humility in the history of the universe: God becoming a human.
There are few passages in the scriptures that capture the reality of what transpired at advent better than Philippians 2:5-11. The chasm between God’s throne and that lowly manger in Bethlehem was infinite. Only a God of infinite power and wisdom possessed the ability to bridge a gap so expansive. Everything about that first Christmas night asserted his humility. His poor parents, a filthy stable, a feeding trough, shepherd visitors, the town of Bethlehem—all served as a testimony to his self-ascribed meekness. And his personification of humility would not end at the manger scene; rather, this was merely the preface to a grand story of modesty.
While fully maintaining his divinity, he set aside all of the rights to which he was entitled. He became human, but not just any human—a lowly servant. He would spend his days ministering to the poor, the sick, the outcasts...the sinners. His servitude would reach a pinnacle as he willingly scorned the shame of a criminal's cross— one ultimately reserved for the very people responsible for nailing him there. On that forsaken tree, his righteousness would be exchanged for all of the wretchedness of mankind, subjecting himself to the appropriate wrath of the Father.
From his preincarnate glory on his heavenly throne to a meek baby lying in a wooden manger to a stripped and beaten criminal hanging on an executioner’s cross...
...this was the great condescension of God.
Starter Prayer:
Jesus,
Thank you for your powerful demonstration of humility. Thank you for condescending to live among us, to love us, to serve us, and ultimately to die for us. Empower me to live a life that models your servitude and humility.
Amen.
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