“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” — Luke 2:14
A Selfless Entry
When we think about the love of God, we often (and rightly) think about the cross of Christ. However, we must not forget that one of the most selfless acts of love that has ever taken place was the incarnation of Christ. Visualizing the Creator of the universe entering into His creation as an infant, lying in a feeding trough for animals, with no honorable visitors except some nearby shepherds, puts any ambition, arrogance or entitlement on my part into its proper perspective.
Why are we so prone to cling to status or certain privileges in life as if we’ve earned them or deserve them? If local shepherds and a stable were good enough for God’s grand entry into the world, then I have no right to expect or demand anything greater in my own life. All feelings of entitlement should be buried, and a heart of gratitude should blossom.
Let’s not forget that the King of the universe was born as an innocent infant wrapped in the arms of a teenage mother, lying in a dwelling place that was intended for animals. His royal birth was unannounced apart from some nearby shepherds. The selflessness of Christ led Him to not cling to His status, but rather to willingly take on the form of a humble servant (Philippians 2).
Therefore, may we not live for selfish ambitions or self-exaltation. Instead, may we count others as more significant than ourselves and demonstrate the same kind of selflessness as our humble King.
— Terry Evans, Atlanta Braves chaplain
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