Fear Not: The Sign

In this season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are reminded of the profound humility that marked His entrance into the world. Jesus, the Son of God, was born not in a palace but in a humble manger, a feeding trough for animals. This was not a mere accident of circumstance but a deliberate choice by God, who had thousands of years to plan the arrival of His Son. The manger, a symbol of humility and vulnerability, sets the stage for the life and ministry of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served.

The story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the place where unblemished lambs for temple sacrifices were raised, underscores His role as the Lamb of God, destined to take away the sins of the world. This connection between Jesus and the sacrificial lambs highlights the sacrificial nature of His mission and the depth of God's plan for our salvation. The shepherds, the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth, represent the lowly and marginalized, reminding us that God's kingdom values humility and a heart open to His presence.

Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry and the measure of our hearts. It is through humility that we make room for God in our lives, allowing Him to work through us. This posture of humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His grace. It is about being content with what we have, as Mary was, and being open to the unexpected ways God may work in our lives.

To cultivate humility, we must be willing to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and listen to others. We need friends who can lovingly point out our pride and help us grow in humility. Confession and soul-searching are vital practices that keep us grounded and open to God's transforming work. As we decrease, Christ increases in us, and we become more like Him, embodying His love and grace to the world.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the church season, let us embrace the humility of Christ and allow it to shape our lives and our communities. May we be guided by His example, serving others with love and compassion, and may we find peace and contentment in His presence.

Key Takeaways:

1. **The Humble Birth of Jesus:** Jesus' birth in a manger was a deliberate choice by God, symbolizing humility and vulnerability. This setting underscores the sacrificial nature of His mission as the Lamb of God, destined to take away the sins of the world.

2. **God's Kingdom Values:** The shepherds, the first to hear of Jesus' birth, represent the lowly and marginalized, highlighting that God's kingdom values humility and a heart open to His presence. The path to greatness in God's kingdom is through humility.

3. **Humility as Currency:** Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry and the measure of our hearts. It is through humility that we make room for God in our lives, allowing Him to work through us. This posture beckons Christ to us and is essential for spiritual growth.

4. **Cultivating Humility:** To grow in humility, we must examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and listen to others. Having friends who can lovingly point out our pride and practicing confession are vital for spiritual growth and humility.

5. **Peace Through Humility:** Humility brings peace and contentment, allowing us to let go of our agendas and fears. As we embrace humility, we become more like Christ, embodying His love and grace to the world.