The Humble

James 4:10, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Rev. 22:20b, "Come, Lord Jesus."

Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying that God must love common people because He made so many of them. God even loves the most common of birds, being in charge when one small sparrow falls to the ground.

When God sent Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, to earth, who were the first people to know His plan and greet the Baby? The angel Gabriel announced His imminent birth to a teenage Jewish girl whose major credential seems to be her incredible response to an event which was to rock her world and cause her great heartache as well as great joy. It was her willingness to do God's will that gave her the greatest privilege of any woman, that of birthing and nurturing the very Son of God. Her response was, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

When the Baby Jesus was born, His birth was not announced in a palace or a seat of government or to someone wealthy or prominent. He was laid on the prickly hay of a feeding trough for animals. The angels gave the good news to shepherds, who were lowly men in the social order of Israel.

Two obscure people met Jesus in the temple when His parents carried Him there to be circumcised on the eighth day after His birth. Simeon was righteous and devout and was led by the Holy Spirit. Anna was a widow, eighty-four years old. She never left the temple but worshiped God day and night with fasting and prayer.

To whom does Jesus come today? Do we see the pattern? He comes to those like Mary who are willing to do His will, to follow Him completely, whatever the cost. He comes to those who are meek and lowly and know their need of Him, like the shepherds, to those who will receive Him, worship Him, and tell others about Him. He comes to the righteous and devout, those who are led by the Spirit. He comes to those who love Him and desire to know Him. Has He come to you this Christmas season?

Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.