Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1: 26-27, NIV.
Read: Micah 5:2
For those who were expecting the messiah to come in pomp and circumstance, they were in for a shock. This coming king would baffle them. His would be a humble birth. He would be born in a little town called Bethlehem.
What is even more amazing is that almost 700 years before the birth of Jesus, God revealed to the prophet Micah the exact location of the birth of his promised son. He would be born in the humble town of Bethlehem. Yet, in spite of the clear prophecy many would still miss His birth. It was not exactly the setting one would expect for the birth of a promised king.
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf.Micah 5:2, NIV
I saw a quote recently that read simply: “ The first Christmas was pretty simple. It’s okay if yours is too.” It was a good reminder to me.
After the last several years of social distancing and being somewhat isolated, I found myself this week feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I was in one store looking for a set of coasters, to replace some that our dog had chewed–that’s another story–when I felt overwhelmed by the scene. The checkout line was so very long, candy, treats and miscellaneous gift items that lined the aisles of the store, seemed to scream at me: “TOUCH ME!” and “BUY ME!” I wanted to run out of that store, go home and sit by the fire with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate and just chill until the holidays were all over.
Don’t get me wrong, as a mom of two soon to be leaving-to-go-off to-college kids, I am treasuring every moment to create more special family memories. However, in that moment, it was good to remind myself of just how simple God chose to make the entry of his own son into this world one night so long ago.
He could have chosen the most well-known city to make a spectacular entrance. But no! He chose to be born in a little town of Bethlehem– aka, the least impressive house on the block. You know the one without the extravagant display of lights and air filled Christmas lawn ornaments. No, not that one. Instead, he chose to be born in a little town in the boondocks.
I am grateful for this needed reminder this holiday season. Keep it simple. Focus on the presence of the greatest gift even given. It came wrapped in simplicity.
REFLECT: How can we best reflect the simplicity of Jesus’ birth this holiday season?
Live deep; laugh much.
I help individuals create space and develop habits and strategies to live a flourishing life — one goal at a time.