A Humble Birth

And [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

 Where do the rich and famous have their babies? Perhaps at the Matilda International Hospital in Hong Kong where arrangements require a $20,000 deposit. Or at the Grangettes Clinic in Geneva where the birthing suite comes with a Michelin-starred chef. Perhaps Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where a three-room, two-bath suite provides fresh fruit, muffins, juices, and bedside salon services. None of these amenities were available in the first century, of course. But where the wealthy gave birth was probably a cut above where Jesus was born. One would have thought that the Son of God would have been born in Judea’s finest facility, but no. He was born in a stable, a manger (feed-trough) being His first bassinet. From the very beginning of His life on earth, Jesus Christ identified with “everyman”—those who live a life of lowliness, humility, and dependence. And that surely caught the attention of all, rich and poor alike. Jesus came into the world “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

This month, remember that Jesus’ birth was His invitation for us to welcome Him as a humble Lord and Savior.