A Season of WaitingSample

Remarkable and Humble

Earlier this year, my niece announced she was pregnant. Announcements like these often prompt other mums to reflect on their pregnancies and birth stories. It can make for vibrant conversation as there’s always something dramatic somewhere in each story. I can imagine the mums of Mary’s time gathering to share their stories. I wonder how Mary shared hers? I wonder the reaction to her baby’s first bed being a feeding trough for animals, or the lack of availability of a guest room. Then there were the visitors after the fact. In the tussle for attention and sharing the best dramatic moment, Mary’s would surely have been a standout story. It still is today.

As we, today, reflect back on Jesus’ story, we see the remarkable and humble beginning. A home birth in the home of an unsuspecting family member who already had a house full of other guests was hardly a fitting welcome for the King of Kings. Yet, this humble beginning was the start of a life so world-changing that millions continue to believe the truth of this remarkable story and all of the truths that followed throughout His life.

At Christmas, we can feel pressure for everything to be perfect. But as we reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, it’s an encouragement to, in all things, put aside our perfect plans and humble ourselves, making room for His remarkable story for each of us.

Written by Susie Holt