The purpose of Jesus' birth was to be born, live a sinless life and die as a ransom to redeem humanity by reconciling all people with God who would turn to Him in faith granting them eternal life.
Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, all people are born with a sinful nature and are separated from God. Jesus' death on the cross provided a way for people to be redeemed and restored to God from the death penalty for sin.
It was never meant for God's Son to just show up on earth triumphantly with the host of angels declaring his glory and his majesty for all the world to see him sitting on an earthly throne.
Instead, God showed up in a small, insignificant way, not as the world might perceive, but as an infant child born in the lowest of places.
Philippians 2:6-11 says this about His coming: "6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Everything about his birth seemed to be the opposite of what the world would have believed His coming to be like.
He was God almighty, the creator of all things. Yet, he showed up as a small baby, became a servant and died on a sinner's cross for those who would receive Him as well as those who would reject Him.
Jesus' birth, while signifying His kingship, wasn't a grand royal event in the traditional sense, it was a humble, impoverished birth in a stable, that would highlight a key aspect of His ministry.
His humility and service to all, regardless of social status could relate to His Godhead, His purpose and His human nature. God's reasons for His humble birth, revealed God's plan for salvation in demonstrating that salvation is available to all, not just the wealthy or powerful.
His humble birth identified with humanity and enabled him to relate to and understand the struggles of ordinary people, empathizing with their hardships and suffering.
The humble birth of Jesus underscores the importance of humility and service which were the core principles of His teachings and ministry.
In contrast with earthly kings, the lack of a kingly birth sets Jesus apart from all worldly rulers, highlighting His spiritual authority and the nature of His kingdom, which is not of this world.
Even the small town of His birth which was, Bethlehem, which is derives from the Hebrew Beit-lechem, or “the house of bread", also signifies Jesus' claim of being the bread of life, was part of His prophetic birth.
His humble birth reveals God's love for all people. By choosing to enter the world in a humble manner, God demonstrated His love and concern for all humanity, regardless of their social status or circumstances.
It emphasizes the importance of faith and humility, which trumps out haughty arrogance and pride.
The humble birth of Jesus challenges the notion that power and privilege are essential for spiritual significance.
It illustrates the true nature of Jesus' kingship which is not of this world, but rather a spiritual dominion based on love, service, and sacrifice.
This Christmas as we sing, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” let us remember, that an eternal person was born that night in a robe of flesh and His name was Jesus. We should also remember that all of the fierceness of Herod and hell's powers could not destroy Him, but that He survived to bring salvation to Israel and to the world.
Merry Christmas, -Bren
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