Christmas can be so beautiful and meaningful. There are so many things that can be said about this feast. This time, I would simply focus on the humility of the glorious event.
St. Luke 2 stresses the humility of Christ's Birth, The holy family goes to Bethlehem because of the requirements of the Roman oppressor. In the crowded village, Joseph does not have the power or wealth to insure better lodgings; so they end up in a stable where Mary gives birth. In St. Luke 2:12, the angel tells the lowly shepherds, “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
The Birth of the Savior is not first announced to the powerful, rich, or learned. It is announced to humble shepherds on the outer edges of society. And this unique infant will not be found in an impressive palace or temple. His glory is worthy of heavenly messengers, but it will not be obvious to the world. Instead, He is clothed like an average Jewish peasant baby, wrapped in strips of cloth. And His bed is even more lowly than average. The only bed offered Him is a manger- a rough trough for cattle.
In other words, the shepherds are to recognize their King and Savior by His lowliness rather than by His worldly greatness. The glorious child has finally come, and this is truly good news. Yet, the irony of the heavenly message is that simple shepherds will be the first to pay homage to the new-born King, and they will recognize Him by His humility.
Christmas continues to bring us a similar message. The Savior that we all need still comes through simple means- through the Word and the Sacraments. His coming is good news; Christmas does bring tidings of great joy. However, this joy is not to be confused with external worldly merriment. Whether we have a great external celebration with lots of people, gifts, and food or (more likely in 2020) we just have a simple and small observance, the key is for us to focus upon what God does- how He sends His Son, the eternal Word, to humble Himself, become flesh and dwell among us. Glory to God in the highest!
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