Christmas From Cover to Cover: 25-Day Advent DevotionalSample

Jesus didn’t come into the world with grandeur. He wasn’t born into riches or prestige. For most people in Israel during that time, Jesus’ birth was insignificant and unnoticed. The world wasn’t celebrating His arrival like it does today. All along it was God’s intentional choosing for Jesus to identify with the weak, poor, and insignificant. Bethlehem was not a famous or impressive city, which is what made it a perfect setting for the birth of Jesus Christ. God chose a little, irrelevant town so that no one would think that God identifies himself with the rich and powerful. Isaiah may have prophesied of Jesus’ power and authority, but Micah prophesizes of His meekness. The paradox of the Kingdom of God is that strength is found in weakness, riches are found in poverty, and wisdom is found in the foolishness of the gospel. There is good news for those who recognize their shortcomings, failures, and flaws. Israel was waiting for a mighty political savior, but what they found was humble and plain. Jesus identifies with our weakness and uses it as a frame to showcase His glory. Christmas is hope for those who are weak and weary and need a Savior. 

Reflection: How can pride and power get in the way of our relationship with God?