BORN IN A BARN
A teenage girl and her husband—two insignificant peasants, from an insignificant village, in an insignificant country—travel to another insignificant town. While there, she gives birth to a baby boy, in the most insignificant of places—not in a hospital, or a house, or even a toolshed.
No, this couple’s baby entered the world in the humblest place we could imagine. He was literally “born in a barn.” By now, I imagine you’ve figured out we’re talking about Jesus.
Mary laid baby Jesus in a bed—not a crib, or a pad, even a cardboard box. That would have been pure luxury for baby Jesus. The Son of God was placed in an animal feeding trough. And not a cute wooden manger packed with straw. Those didn’t exist in the first century. It was crudely carved of stone.
Then Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloths—not a receiving blanket or a quilt, but strips of rags (the norm in that day). You can bet your life if Jesus was born today, the innkeeper would get a call from social services.
It’s humbling, to say the least. But even more humbling when we realize this baby was God! When God entered our world, he chose to humble himself in most degrading way possible. He could’ve been born in a palace, surrounded by splendor and riches, with servants attending to his every whim. Coming from the majesty of heaven, even the greatest luxuries earth offers would be worse than us living in a leaky mud hut. I believe he chose those conditions, so he could relate to the lowliest of humanity.
Our culture reeks with entitlement. Care to guess the most commonly used word in the English language? “I.” The motto of our time is “I deserve the best.” If anyone was entitled to the best; if anyone had the right to demand their rights, it was Jesus. Yet Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7, ESV), and “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew20:28).
What if we followed his example? What if we allowed others to have the best—our spouse, kids, or those hurting around us? Our world would be a much different place. Why not start now? Can you think of a better time than during Christmas when we worship the One who gave up everything, so we could have everything?
Principle: Jesus gave up everything, so we could have everything.
Ponder:
What words or phrases come to mind when you consider all Jesus gave up for you?
What changes can you make beginning today to imitate his lifestyle of service?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Philippians 2:5-11.
Precious Jesus, I’m humbled when I reflect on all you gave up for me. Forgive my selfishness, and give me the humility and strength to serve others as you did.
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