There has never been anyone who humbled themselves us much as our Lord Jesus Christ, not even close. Humility is most often connected with His death, which without doubt, is the greatest display of His humility. However, His birth into this world also displays such amazing humility.
None of this was by accident, but rather God’s eternal purpose and decree. We must ask ourselves the question: What great and wealthy king would ever plan for his first born son to be born in a cattle barn (a manger) without all the comforts of the local Inn? It would not have been hygienic. Cattle stalls are not always that clean. The smell of cattle and their droppings would certainly have tainted the air and, without a doubt, Mary would have been concerned.
I am sure that Joseph would have done his best to clean up a space for his wife to give birth, but Mary may have wondered if she had really heard from God. After all, what great God would stoop to such depths to bring forth his Son in such poor and humble conditions. Surely God could have arranged for someone to cancel their night in the Inn.
But these continuing doubts would have quickly dispersed when eventually the wise men from the East came to visit. They had been invited by God to follow star from some eastern country all the way to Jerusalem where they inquired: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
They eventually were given an appointment with King Herod to enquire more. But this baby was not Herod’s baby although he lived in the palace. God was teaching the world a great lesson of how much He respects, loves, and honors humility.
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell