Christ ~ humble enough to be a man

Christmas brings to our minds many images of Christ coming to Earth. We often see him in the manger scene with people and animals adoring him. We picture him with a halo around his head and a "silent night" where everything is perfect and calm.

Yet, this year my thoughts have been led to a different image. I have been thinking of Christ's last thoughts before he left the throne of heaven. How he must have looked around at the glory of heaven, the place of no pain or sorrow or tears; and then to look at where he was going. We spend so much of our time living in this world and looking toward heaven with great anticipation, but Jesus was looking in the opposite direction.

Sometimes we comment about how he came to such a humble family, where life was difficult and most of earth's luxuries were missing. But if you consider that even the most luxurious homes, the greatest ruling families in the world, or even the wealthiest kingdoms, could not compare to what he left, then it is no suprise that he thought it no more humbling to enter the family his father had chosen for him.

I believe this is why it was so easy for Jesus to live as a servant in humble conditions, he knew what he left and he knew what he would eventually enjoy again. We too can live as servants when we take our eyes off the luxuries of this world and place our focus first on the kingdom of God and his glory.

sharing Christmas thoughts,
Bro. Wade

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.