January 20 - The Humble Savior of Bethlehem

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12, KJV)

It is beyond human comprehension how the infinite God could humble Himself to become a tiny, helpless infant. Jesus could have come to Earth in unparalleled splendor, radiating a beauty that would make Him distinct from all other human beings. His face could have shone with heavenly glory, His stature could have been majestic, commanding admiration from all who beheld Him. Yet, God’s plan was for His Son to come to Earth in a way that reflected humility and simplicity. He was to be born as one of us, sharing in the human experience, and specifically as part of the Jewish family. His appearance was to be ordinary, so that He would not stand out for His physical beauty but for the character He revealed.

Jesus came to dwell among humanity as a member of the human family. He took the place of fallen man, shouldering humanity’s burdens, paying the price for sin, and living a spotless life on Earth. His mission was to refute Satan’s claim that mankind was irredeemable and forever bound under his control. By His life and death, Jesus demonstrated that God’s power could rescue humanity and restore them to divine favor.

When Jesus first entered the world, humanity saw Him as a vulnerable baby. Born to poor parents, He possessed no earthly riches or privileges. He experienced the trials and hardships that the poor and humble face from infancy to adulthood. From the manger to His ministry, His life was marked by simplicity and suffering.

The more we contemplate the mystery of Jesus’ incarnation, the more incredible it appears. How could the Creator of all things become a fragile infant, dependent on others for care? Yet, this baby in the manger was indeed the divine Son of God. Although exalted above the angels and equal with the Father in majesty, He willingly chose to unite with humanity. This profound union of divinity and humanity offers hope to a fallen race. In Jesus, we see God revealed in human flesh. Through Him, the divine glory and the image of the Father are made visible to us.

This humble birth in Bethlehem stands as a testimony of God’s love and His desire to dwell with us. It reminds us that Christ came not to dazzle the world with outward splendor, but to reach the hearts of men and women through humility, sacrifice, and love. Looking to Jesus in His humanity, we catch a glimpse of the divine and find the assurance of salvation. Let us fix our eyes upon Him, for in His life, death, and resurrection, we find the hope of eternal life.