This blog post was originally published on December 22, 2012.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them…” (Luke 2:6-7)

Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to earth in the most unobtrusive, unexpected of ways…as a baby. Our Savior chose to come quietly to be born of humble parents – one a young virgin, the other, a carpenter – even though he could have come with great fanfare to sit high upon an earthly throne, surrounded by riches.

Today, Jesus still comes to us in unexpected ways. Speaking to us in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19: 12), he sends his Spirit to minister to us. Whether we need comfort, peace, or healing, his Spirit is there to breathe into our lives. When we are silent before him, he can move in our lives and provide for our needs. The baby that arrived so quietly over two thousand years ago grew into a man who died for each of us, and the fanfare we will receive when we turn to him will be great indeed.

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a baby so that you could experience life as a human and all that we go through. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. As we celebrate this Christmas, I pray our focus will be on you. Amen.