Joy to the Worldنموونە

The Humble Messiah

If I’m honest, the Christmas season can be one of the most stressful and anxiety inducing times of my year. As a worship leader at church and a father of 3 children, there have been Christmases when I somehow make it through all of the shopping, putting up the Christmas lights, gift-wrapping, the numerous Christmas services at church, the celebrations with friends and family, only to finally collapse on the couch around noon on December 25th and realize that in an effort to make Christmas as great and impactful as I possibly can for everybody around me, I’ve missed the entire point of what this time is about.

I had to ask God to give me a fresh perspective on what can be this whirlwind of season and do you know what I found? My focus is shifted not to the biggest and brightest moments of the story, but to the humble and quiet arrival of the incarnate love of God.

Jesus could have come in an incredible display of power and glory, making himself known to the most wealthy and influential people of the day, but instead chose such a lowly entrance into this world. Born as a helpless infant to a virgin and a carpenter, in a small quiet town, in a stable. And who did the angel first announce Jesus’ birth to? Shepherds! (Not even the good ones - these were the night shift shepherds!)

So what do I draw from this? He wants to meet us right where we are this Christmas. We don’t have to qualify. We don’t have to dress up for the occasion. We don’t have to be the biggest or the brightest or the loudest or the best. In fact, He wants to meet us in the quiet moments. He wants to meet us in the reality of our lives, exactly as they are. He wants to speak to us and remind us of his love for us. That’s why he came.

So what does it look like for us to not only let the humility of Jesus' birth inform our heart towards this season, but also to let it shape the way that we in turn love others this year? Who in your life needs to be seen? Who needs to be encouraged? Who needs to be reminded of their worth and God’s love for them?

May we receive and spread the Love of Jesus like never before this Christmas Season!

Written by Taylor Gall from Thrive Worship