It’s interesting to consider that such contrasting realities mark the gospel narratives’ beginning and end. Humility and glory are things that don’t usually go together, but both are fully displayed with Jesus.
At the end of Jesus’s ministry, he goes to the cross to bear his people’s sin and shame (Isaiah 53.1–5). Affixed to the cross of wood, he was taking our place. As the hymn-writer says, “Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood; Sealed my pardon with His blood; Hallelujah! what a Savior!” Humility on display in 4K.
But then, on the third day, Christ was raised from the dead! His exaltation begins. Then, after appearing to many and demonstrating his life, Christ returned to the right hand of God in heaven (Acts 1.11). At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus’s life is marked by humility and glory.
Strikingly, we find the same thing at the beginning of the gospel account. Reading through Luke’s account, we understand that this baby to be born to the Virgin Mary was a miracle. He’s not an ordinary baby. He is truly God and truly man. Thomas Watson observes, “Christ’s taking our flesh was one of the lowest steps of his humiliation. He humbled himself more in lying in the virgin’s womb than in hanging upon the cross. It was not so much for man to die, but for God to become man was the wonder of humility.”
This great King was born in a manger! Indeed, the incarnation was a great act of humble condescension. The One who inhabits eternity dwelt in the virgin’s womb. He who was adorned with the royal robes of heaven was wrapped in swaddling rags. The one whose home is on the highest throne makes his bed in a feeding trough. Jesus went from the praise of angels to the bleating noise of animals.
But there’s majesty in the manger. The humble King is worthy of praise.
Shortly after the birth, the angels announce the news to some shepherds in the field. And what happens after the announcement that the promised King had come? A great multitude of angels fill the sky. Can you imagine? It’s like the most fantastic fireworks display accompanied by the most glorious angelic choir. I can envision those angels who longed to look into the things of our salvation (1 Peter 1:12), peering over the railing of grace and waiting for the signal to go. Then it comes, and they fill and flood the sky with a glorious symphony of praise to God for the coming King. He is worthy of this praise!
These two realities: infinite humility and infinite glory, don’t seem like they go together. But in Jesus Christ, they do. For it was his humility to come and accomplish the work that his Father gave him that shows his worthiness of eternal praise.
So like Mary, treasure these things and ponder them in your heart (Luke 2:19). Like the shepherds, respond to Christ with worship for all you have heard in the Word (Luke 2:20).
Merry Christmas! Look at the Lord Jesus Christ and see the humility he demonstrates the the glory he deserves!
