advent week 3 - humble beginnings
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 (KJV)
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love the joy and comfort that family traditions bring each year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. By far, my favorite tradition is attending a candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve. At the end of the service, we turn off all the lights in the sanctuary and light our candles as we sing the traditional Christmas hymn, Silent Night. It is a holy moment where God’s presence is undeniable.
Each year, as I stand in the presence of my fellow sisters and brothers watching our lights make the room grow brighter as we sing about Christ’s humble beginnings, I am struck by the miraculous nature of it all. Jesus is my LORD and my Savior. He was there at the creation of the universe and deserves nothing but the best I have to offer. Yet, on that night, He was born in a stable, surrounded by dirty and stinky animals.
Why would my Savior choose to unify Himself with His creation in such a humble way? He deserves trumpets songs, parades in the streets, and never-ending praise. Yet He received none of that. Why? The Sunday school answer says that He was fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. That is true, but I think it’s more than that.
Jesus came as our example. He came to serve His creation: heal the sick, restore our loving relationships, and ultimately to give Himself as our ultimate sacrifice. Jesus embodied this mission from His first breath. And we are called to do the same. If even my Savior can humble Himself to serve others, so can I.
How can you humble yourself and serve others this Christmas season? Who needs to experience Jesus’ unconditional love? How can you be His hands and feet and serve them, just as Christ served us? Share your ideas with others – maybe your family or Body & Soul® class can serve together. God just might use it to spark a holy moment that brings others to His steadfast love.
by Grace Kann
Normal, IL
Body & Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
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