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

Luke 2:12 NIV

God is a God of humility.

During Advent, we celebrate that Almighty God, who needs nothing and lacks nothing, humbled Himself to be born as a weak, helpless human baby. Not a baby born into wealth, privilege and power, however, but one born into poverty, disadvantage and vulnerability.

Why does this matter to us, and why is it a big deal?

It matters because deep down in the depth of our souls, where we may not even acknowledge it, we know we are powerless. We strive, plan, worry, crunch all the numbers, and weigh the odds, but in the end, we have limited control over our lives and none over death. Even the Elon Musk’s of the world are at the mercy of the economy, their health and the fickleness of people. We have no control over the seasons, the earth or the planets above us.

There is One in control, though, who is all-powerful and mighty, and He is not a God who stands far off, coldly and dispassionately handing out punishment and judgement or simply leaving us to deal with life on our own.

He is the One who humbled Himself to come into our world, and our lives to dwell among us.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,
Who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

Psalm 113:4-6 NIV

Here is an advent worth celebrating and rejoicing over. Who is like our God? Who is like the Almighty, Everlasting, Majestic, yet compassionate LORD? None.

It matters because, during this season especially, there is a world telling us we need more, deserve more, respect, love, and bigger and shinier stuff,

So, as we prep for this season of giving gifts, enjoying family and friends, and all the hustle, bustle and stress that goes along with it, remember the High and Mighty One who came meek and lowly. Remember, it’s not about what we get out of this season, as great as that can be, but about Who we get when we acknowledge the incarnation of God in human flesh. Immanuel, God WITH us! A gift beyond words or understanding.

I encourage us to sit back and contemplate this week the wonder of the Creator of all things, laying aside His glory and might to become part of humanity in the basest of ways. He did it so we could know He understands our struggles and needs. All of us.

How can we emulate our Lord in His humility and humble ourselves before Him? Why are we celebrating and who it’s about is necessary to know. It’s not about us. Then we will be better equipped to experience real peace and goodwill toward others.

So this is part of what we celebrate during Advent. We don’t need to promote ourselves and our wants. We have a God who knows best what we need and when, and He is able and trustworthy to provide it. But as we learned last week, we have already received the best if we acknowledge and accept His divinity and Lordship.

Rest in that thought this week, and rejoice!

Be well!

Patricia