The world of sport seems to love an under-dog.

The lowly minnows up against the mighty champions.
The low seed matched against the top.

It seems we’re wired for the under-dog success narrative. It’s these victories that take over the back pages, often using the biblical story of David and Goliath to help us compare the enormous gulf between the two entities and the enormous achievement undertaken.

But when it comes to thinking about the Christian faith the world is not a big under-dog fan.

“It’s a nice story for children, nothing more.”
“Of course, it can’t be true.”
“God born as a baby - that’s too far-fetched.”

In fact, the nation of Israel was not waiting for a baby.They were waiting for a military leader to deliver the nation from centuries of occupied rule.

In this light, have you ever thought about these words of the angel to the shepherds directly after announcing the coming of the long-awaited Messiah?

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

They were saying:

“This king, not just any king, but the King of Kings that God has sent will be in baby form! Not only that, but you will find him in a filthy feeding trough for cattle!”

Did the Shepherds stop for a moment and consider the contradiction? Their great and glorious God, himself coming to earth as a helpless, vulnerable baby, sleeping in a slop bucket.

And for us, what is the significance of this sign to the shepherds as we play our sport today?

Do you ever feel helpless or inadequate? Do you look at others and think that you’ve got it all wrong? Have there been times you’ve looked around the locker room and you know you’re one of the weaker players, not respected or valued by others? When ridiculed for your faith have you walked out of the clubhouse embarrassed or devastated that you didn’t stand up for the truth you believe in? Yes, and yes again!

The beginning of God’s remarkable rescue mission for mankind was announced, not to the learned or influential, not to the sorted or the decent, but to exactly the opposite kind of people: those near to the bottom of the pile - sheepherders who slept under the stars.

God has provided a saviour, not on the world's terms, according to human expectation, but in his own marvellous way.

1 Corinthians 1:27 says

“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.”

In those moments when you feel small, inadequate or ashamed, remember that’s God’s way.That’s his design.

More than that; the anointed one sent by God, The Messiah, The Lord himself was a child. A weak and helpless child who needed his mother’s milk to survive. He then grew up experiencing our needs, our troubles, our pains. He became one of us. He is the initiator and the enactor of his rescue plan.

This good news of a promised saviour came initially to the shepherds and now to all who acknowledge their need.

In those moments of inadequacy would we throw ourselves on him?

Hold onto these wonderful words from the song ‘From the Squalor of a borrowed stable’

“King of heaven now the Friend of sinners,
Humble servant in the Father’s hands,
Filled with power and the Holy Spirit,
Filled with mercy for the broken man.
Yes, He walked my road and He felt my pain,
Joys and sorrows that I know so well;
Yet His righteous steps give me hope again –
I will follow my Immanuel.”

Pray for yourself

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to become one of us and experience our needs, our troubles and pain. Please help me to trust in you and the sustaining grace you provide, in the good times and in the tough times. Amen

Pray for your friends

Finally, take a few minutes to pray for those in your sport - that God will open a door for his message in your club or team this Game Day.