For me the marvel of Christmas is not only that the Savior has finally come. It's also the way He did it. He could have come with trumpets and fanfare and glory. Instead, the King of the Universe set aside His privileges and power and became a puny human being. He started as a helpless baby who needed to be fed and to have his diaper changed. As He grew He endured hunger and thirst, sweat and exhaustion, temptation and struggle. He shunned wealth and privilege and never demanded His rights. Though He was innocent and powerful He allowed Himself to be tortured and mocked and crucified like a criminal in order to rescue rebellious sinners who hated Him. We are called to imitate His great humility. "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)

Throne Room

For me the marvel of Christmas is not only that the Savior has finally come. It's also the way He did it. He could have come with trumpets and fanfare and glory. Instead, the King of the Universe set aside His privileges and power and became a puny human being. He started as a helpless baby who needed to be fed and to have his diaper changed. As He grew He endured hunger and thirst, sweat and exhaustion, temptation and struggle. He shunned wealth and privilege and never demanded His rights. Though He was innocent and powerful He allowed Himself to be tortured and mocked and crucified like a criminal. All so He could save rebellious sinners who hated Him.

We are called to imitate His great humility. "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)

I can be so selfish and spoiled, and yet God has showered me with undeserved blessings. In return I need to be reminded every day that as wonderful as those blessings are, life isn't really about my comforts and pleasures. It's about the two greatest commandments: Loving and serving God, and loving and serving others. Everything else takes a back seat to that.