Happy Sabbath, friends! Last Sabbath, we explored the book of Isaiah and the prophecy foretelling the birth of the Messiah. Today, we witness that prophecy come to life.

The birth of Jesus is truly beautiful – not only because it introduces the Messiah to the world, but because it reveals His character. God could have chosen a royal palace or made the announcement known across the world. Instead, He chose a humble beginning, one that reflects His gentleness, humility, and deep love for humanity.

Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)

“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. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

The first act of humility we see in the birth of Jesus is found in the manger. A manger was a feeding trough for animals – usually made of wood or stone – where hay was placed so livestock could eat. What was meant for animals became the very first resting place of the Savior.

This is a tender reminder that God chose humility over grandeur. The King of Heaven entered the world not in a palace, but in simplicity – showing us that God often meets us in ordinary, overlooked spaces. Even the lowest places can become holy when Jesus is there.

Philippians 2:6–7 (NIV)
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

1 Corinthians 1:27–28 (NIV)
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.”

The second act of humility found in the birth of Jesus is seen in who received the announcement. God sent the angel of the Lord not to royalty, governors, or those in positions of power, but to shepherds living out in the fields nearby.

Shepherds were ordinary and often overlooked by society. Yet God chose them to come and honor the newborn Savior. This shows us that we do not need status, popularity, or recognition to be honored by the presence of Christ.

Psalm 138:6 (NIV)
“Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”

James 2:5 (NIV)
“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

I pray that everyone who reads this is reminded that our Heavenly Father is not concerned with status, popularity, or earthly measures of success. His focus is on His beloved children. He loves you so deeply that He sent His one and only Son to enter the world in the most humble of ways. God does not desire your wealth or recognition – He desires you.

Micah 6:8 (NIV)
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Amen.