Christmas
began as a very humble event, an event that exhibited the greatest humility the
world has ever seen—the God of glory being laid in a cattle trough.
Look
at Luke 1:39–54; 39 At that time Mary got ready and
hurried to a
town in the hill country of Judea,
40 where she entered Zechariah’s home
and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy
Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should
come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your
greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill
his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies
the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for
he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty
One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50 His mercy
extends to those who fear him,
from
generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with
his arm; he has scattered those who are proud
in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from
their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the
hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering
to be merciful
May we
observe Christmas with the personal humility that reflects our Savior. God
gives grace to the humble.
Amen?