Lowly and Humble

What kinds of people are usually the first to hear important announcements? Politicians? Generals? Scholars? The wealthy and influential? These were the expectations of the magi and the reason when, looking for the newborn King of the Jews, they came directly to see King Herod (Matthew 2:1-3).

But God had a different plan. For the mother of His Son, He did not choose someone rich or famous, but a woman with no apparent importance. Mary herself exclaimed that God “has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble” (Luke 1:51-52).

When the angels announced the Savior’s birth, they did not appear in the temple or sing before massive crowds. They appeared at night to shepherds, people who were considered of little importance.

A Bible encyclopedia explains that at that time, “the occupation of a shepherd was considered demeaning, and shepherds were generally despised.” Yet these were the people to whom God chose to announce the birth of His Son.

Today, God still speaks to the lowly and humble. The Bible tells us that He opposes the proud “but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). As Jesus taught, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

This Christmas season, humble yourself before God. Worship Jesus, who came as a baby to be your Savior.