God's People

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:3-5

As I read the Christmas story, I am filled with wonder at the simplicity of God's entry into this world. Amazed at the people he chose to use in His plan to save mankind. He didn't come into this world with pomp and circumstance, which He certainly had the power to do, he came in quietly, announced by angels to the least of men.

Take Mary and Joseph, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time. Very young and Jews, certainly not the most powerful or respected tribe in the world. They lived simply and worked hard. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both well beyond their prime....face it they were just OLD.

Jesus was born in a stable, had a manger for a bed. No castle fit for a king. Sure, God sent his heavenly host to gloriously announce the birth of His son, an announcement fit for a king....but He sent them to shepherds in the field. Shepherds!! They were about the lowest of the low when it came to the social strata of Israel. Yes, kings did come and brought gifts fit for the King. But these kings were foreigners. We all know about foreigners from the east!!

So, God chose to send His Son into the world, simply, humbly and relatively quite. Why?

I believe there are two big reasons. The first being, our salvation, while a gift from God, freely given, comes through faith. If God had sent His Son to earth on a cloud with all the hosts of heaven escorting Him, it would have been obvious who he was and there wouldn't be much faith in believing it. I mean, to believe the King of Kings was born an innocent baby, in a manger, announced to shepherds, raised a Jewish carpenter, and followed by fishermen. That takes faith on the our part, the faith necessary for salvation!!

Second, God wanted everyone to understand His gift was sent to everyone. Not just the rich and famous. He sent His Son to save the entire world. Jews, gentiles, rich, poor, famous, unknown....He came as a simple servant, humbled himself to be a servant, to let us know He came for all of us....thank God!!

Lord, help me to realize that while your coming was simple, its magnitude changed our world forever. You sent Your Son, to live among us as an ordinary man, so He could save us from ourselves. You could have made it clear to all who He was, however, you continue to allow us the choice, life through faith in Jesus Christ, or death in sin. Thank you for giving me the choice and for opening my eyes to Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.