Hope founded upon humility Luke 2:1-20

According to scripture, the root problems of our world are caused by pride.  Our alienation from God, our conflicts with one another, our estrangement from ourselves, and our alienation from nature all stem from humanity's proud assertion of itself against God.  

The Christmas story found in Luke 2 displays the antidote.  In the utmost humility, the Son of God is found in human form.  He is born in the lowliest of circumstances and his birth foreshadows his life and death.  Jesus would wash feet, dine with sinners, and lay hands on lepers.  In his death he would be numbered with the transgressors, abandoned by his disciples, and forsaken by His Father.  What words are sufficient to express the depths of his self-abasement?  

Through His humble life, death, and resurrection, Jesus atones for our pride and reconciles us to God.  By His indwelling Spirit, he grows humility in each of us which fosters peace with others and with ourselves.  What would it look like for you to follow Jesus in humility this Christmas?  What would it look like to put others first?  How would it change your attitude towards your schedule and finances?  Whereas our proud hearts lead us to loudly assert ourselves, the Spirit of Christ calls us to quietly deny ourselves.  

John Stott said it well, “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man.  Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be.  Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone.”  [John Stott, The Cross of Christ (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Press, 1986) p. 160]