A Humble Beginning

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Today is December 24. The night Jesus was born. When we visited Israel and Bethlehem–and the place where historians believe He was born, we threaded down narrow stairs, winding down to the lowest part of the church of the Nativity where we saw the birthplace. The star marks the spot.

Birth site of Jesus – tradition.

Last week, I learned that Jesus’ place of birth was located near where the shepherds kept the flocks meant for sacrifice in the Temple. The Perfect Lamb of God, born near the place where lambs were meant for sacrifice. That is more important than the exact site where Jesus was born–or even the exact date He was born.

Throughout the New Testament, we are taught that Jesus was humble. He was born in a stable–a cave. The first people told about his birth were humble–their occupation was one of the lowest. They were not the highly educated. Not the CEOs of the land. Not the church leaders, but lowly shepherds, scrapping out their existence.

Tonight, as we celebrate Jesus’ birth–whether it took place on this exact date–or another date, I plan to reflect on the fact that He came. The God who created everything, was born to humble, common people. It was the humble who first came to worship Him.

Let’s rejoice in the One who deigned to be born in the most humble of all places. His birth announced by the angels to the lowest of the low.

He came to die so we could live. Let’s worship.

Silent night! holy night!
All is calm all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
glories stream from heaven afar

heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night! holy night!
Son of God love’s pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Below, is a rendition of the song written 200 years ago.