I’ve been thinking on Luke 1-2 lately and am overwhelmed at a theme that stands out to me more and more as I look. It’s nothing new, but on taking more time to look at it, it is more amazing to me than before.
That He chose Nazareth of Galilee, not just a town of no reputation, but of low reputation.
That He chose the tiny town of Bethlehem, as promised.
That He chose a place not fit for humans, only animals. No doubt full of dung and all manner of filth.
That he chose a feeding trough for a bed. Where the slop no doubt was slung.
That he chose to reveal His joy and the Good News in an incredibly glorious way to the shepherds; those who lived solitary lives outside of the rest of society, whose occupation was considered the lowest of the low.
Mary’s song or prayer states it clearly, “He has performed might deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but he has lifted up the humble.” Luke 1:51-52
The King of Glory took the lowest place. Even if he had chosen to come into a wealthy family and live in a palace, it would have still been a humiliation in comparison to the glory He came from, for Creator God to humble himself to become a baby, submit to human parents, have to grow and develop as a human.
But He did not. He chose to take the lowest place. He chose Bethlehem, a stable, a trough, some shepherds and Nazareth.
Lord, forgive me for every prideful thought. May I not be proud in my inmost thoughts. I want to be like you, and choose to take the lowest place in thought, word, and action. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Sixty-six books in a year 