Finding Joy in Humility: The Christmas Message
Summary
Summary:
The narrative of Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, unfolds with a reflection on humanity's enduring quest to connect with the divine. Throughout history, magnificent structures like Notre Dame, Hagia Sophia, and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity have been erected in pursuit of this connection. These grand edifices, along with non-religious monuments such as pyramids and skyscrapers, symbolize a collective yearning to create something enduring and to reach out to the transcendent.
This desire for grandeur is contrasted with the simplicity of the biblical God, who often surprises with unexpected actions. This is illustrated through the story of Charlie Brown's Christmas, where Charlie Brown selects a humble, unassuming tree, much to the ridicule of his peers. This choice is seen as a reflection of the creator Charles Schultz's own experiences with rejection and sorrow, and it is suggested that in this choice, there is an echo of the heart of God.
The Christmas narrative emphasizes that God does not manifest in grandeur but in humility, coming to a small tribe, an oppressed nation, and a poor young couple. The message of Christmas is that God's omnipotence is expressed through the vulnerability of a child. This paradox has been contemplated by theologians and scholars for centuries, with St. Augustine and others poetically describing the profound contrasts of the divine becoming human.
The reason for God's choice to arrive in such a vulnerable state is explored through the biblical account of the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. The angel's announcement to the shepherds of good news and great joy for all people highlights the intention behind the incarnation: to assure humanity of God's presence, companionship, and the joy of intimacy with the divine.
The image of the Christ child in the manger serves as a symbol of solidarity with the vulnerable, the lost, and the weary. It is a reminder that Christ is sustenance for those who are mentally, physically, or spiritually weak. The town of Bethlehem, meaning "House of Bread," becomes significant when Jesus later declares himself the "bread of life," promising fulfillment to those who come to him.
On this Christmas Eve, the call is to follow the shepherds in rejoicing and to consider what might need to be relinquished to fully experience the joy of Christmas. The shepherds left their flocks, and in the Charlie Brown story, Linus releases his security blanket. This act of letting go is an invitation to draw near to the manger, to the friend of sinners, and to worship the divine.
The narrative concludes with an exhortation to open minds, imaginations, and hearts to the joy found in Christ's presence. It is acknowledged that external circumstances may not change, as seen in the lives of Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds, but the presence of Christ is sufficient to sustain joy regardless of life's challenges. The ultimate hope is in the future restoration of peace on Earth, but until then, the joy of Christ is available to sustain hearts in every season.
Key Takeaways:
- The pursuit of grandeur in human endeavors reflects a deeper spiritual longing to connect with the divine. This longing is fulfilled not through impressive achievements, but through the humble and surprising ways of God. ([03:54])
- The Christmas story challenges the notion of divine power, revealing that true strength is found in vulnerability and humility. The incarnation of God as a child is a profound mystery that has captivated thinkers for centuries and continues to inspire awe and wonder. ([07:23])
- The joy of Christmas is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and companionship. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, offering hope and intimacy with the divine. This joy is symbolized by the Christ child, who invites all to experience the comfort and sustenance he provides. ([09:51])
- Letting go of attachments and control is a necessary step to experiencing the fullness of Christmas joy. This act of vulnerability, as demonstrated by the shepherds and Linus, allows individuals to draw closer to the divine and to embrace the sustenance offered by Christ, the bread of life. ([14:58])
- The presence of Christ offers a joy that sustains through all seasons of life, regardless of external challenges. This joy is not dependent on changing circumstances but is found in the steadfast companionship of the divine, as exemplified by the shepherds' response to the angel's revelation. ([13:25])
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
2. John 6:35 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
3. Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)
> "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 2:8-14, who were the first people to receive the news of Jesus' birth, and how did they react initially?
2. What message did the angel bring to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14, and what sign were they given?
3. In John 6:35, what does Jesus declare about himself, and what promise does he make to those who come to him?
4. How does Philippians 2:6-8 describe Jesus' attitude and actions in becoming human?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel's message in Luke 2:8-14 was first delivered to shepherds, and what significance does this have for understanding God's approach to humanity?
2. What does the sign of the baby in a manger (Luke 2:8-14) reveal about the nature of God's kingdom and the way God chooses to reveal himself?
3. How does Jesus' declaration in John 6:35 relate to the significance of Bethlehem being called the "House of Bread"?
4. What do Philippians 2:6-8 and the story of Jesus' birth suggest about the nature of true power and humility?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the shepherds' response to the angel's message, what is one way you can share the joy of Christ's presence with someone in your life this week?
2. Considering the humility of Jesus' birth, what is one area of your life where you can practice humility and serve others in a meaningful way?
3. Jesus describes himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:35. What is one specific way you can seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus this week?
4. The shepherds left their flocks to visit Jesus. What is one attachment or distraction you need to let go of to draw closer to Christ this Christmas season?
5. How can you open your heart to experience the joy of Christ's presence, even if your external circumstances remain challenging? What practical step can you take to focus on this joy daily?
Devotional
Day 1: Humility Unveils Divine Connection
The grandest human achievements pale in comparison to the humble ways in which the divine chooses to connect with humanity. The longing for grandeur is met with the simplicity of a God who surprises by becoming human in the most modest of circumstances. This humility is the true path to experiencing the divine connection we seek. [03:54]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: How can you practice humility today to foster a deeper connection with the divine?
Day 2: Strength in Vulnerability
The Christmas story redefines strength, showing that true power lies in vulnerability and humility. The mystery of the incarnation, God as a child, invites contemplation and awe, revealing that might is not in dominance, but in the willingness to be vulnerable. [07:23]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your own vulnerabilities as a source of strength?
Day 3: Joy Beyond Circumstances
The joy of Christmas is not dependent on life's external conditions but is rooted in the assurance of God's unwavering presence and companionship. This joy, symbolized by the Christ child, is an invitation to all to find comfort and sustenance in the divine embrace. [09:51]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you can choose joy in God's presence despite challenging circumstances?
Day 4: Letting Go to Receive
To fully experience the joy of Christmas, one must be willing to let go of attachments and the illusion of control. This act of surrender, as demonstrated by the shepherds and Linus, opens the heart to divine sustenance and intimacy. [14:58]
Luke 5:11 - "So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
Reflection: What are you holding onto that might be preventing you from drawing closer to God, and how can you let it go?
Day 5: Sustained by Divine Companionship
The presence of Christ offers a sustaining joy that endures through all seasons of life. This joy, independent of life's ebbs and flows, is a testament to the steadfast companionship of the divine, as experienced by those who witnessed the first Christmas. [13:25]
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily awareness of Christ's presence to sustain you through life's challenges?
Quotes
1) "Throughout human history, in an effort to get close to God, people have built great churches... great structures... in an attempt to express our creativity and... to connect with the Transcendent." [03:54]
2) "The god of the Bible is often times surprising... there are ways in which she is a little bit like my childhood hero in the cartoons Charlie Brown." [04:31]
3) "Charlie Brown reflects the heart of God in this way: in the story of Advent, the story of God's coming into Humanity, God comes not to a great palace but to the smallest of tribes, to a tiny oppressed Nation, to a poor young couple." [05:53]
4) "The sign of the Christ child in the manger tells us that the King of Kings is a friend to all who are vulnerable, to the Shipwrecked, to the lost, to the blockheads in a playful way." [14:14]
5) "Receiving the gift of Christmas Joy always requires letting go of something... maybe it's an attachment to things, to money, to a job, maybe it's attachment to control or to some other person." [14:58]
6) "Christmas tells us that... God came in all his strength and poured out his power and love into the presence of a small child... the power that sustains the Stars was poured into a little baby boy." [07:23]
7) "God poured all of his power and all of his knowledge and all of his creativity and all of his love into the vulnerable space of a small child in Bethlehem so that all people could know great joy." [08:59]
8) "The joy of assurance that you and I are never alone... that we are a people who are visited by God, we are a people who are companioned by God." [09:51]
9) "Our hearts can be connected to the joy of Christ, can be sustained by the joy of Christ because his very presence is enough, regardless of what is going on around us." [12:38]
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