The King of kings Came Humbly

"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 NIV

As I listened to the words of Manger Throne by Third Day on my Christmas Eve early morning run yesterday, I had to fight back tears as I meditated on the words…

What kind of King would leave his throne
In Heaven to make this Earth his home?
While men seek fame and great renown
In lowliness our King comes down
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
How we thank you that you've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
A manger throne for God's own son
You left the sound of angels praise
To come for men with unkind ways
And by this baby's helplessness
The power of nations is laid to rest
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
How we thank you that you've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
A manger throne for God's own son
What kind of King would come so small
From glory to a humble stall?
That dirty manger is my heart too
I'll make it a royal throne for you
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
How we thank you that you've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
A manger throne for God's own son
Jesus, Jesus, precious one (precious Jesus)
How we thank you that you've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious one
A manger throne (my heart is a throne)
My heart is a throne for God's own son

Jesus left His throne. Do you you get that? The King of kings could have come into the world as the Mighty God and King that He is but chose, instead, to come as a baby born of a virgin whose first bed was a manger. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-13

Why did Christ come in such a humble and lowly way? After all, future kings and queens are not only born in suitably luxurious places such as palaces or the best-equipped hospitals, but their births are widely announced, anticipated, and celebrated because of their familial status. But the birth of the Son of God could not have been more different.

To put it simply, Jesus Christ came humbly in a manger to show God's love is accessible to everyone, not just the powerful; to model ultimate humility, service, and identification with the poor; to fulfill prophecy; and to demonstrate that true spiritual greatness comes from God's grace, not worldly status, allowing people to approach Him in faith, not fear. His manger symbolized stepping into humanity's brokenness and making God relatable even to the lowliest. Does that make you smile or what? 

 
So, before the celebration of Christmas Day  begins, let us join together in praise singing “Jesus, Jesus, precious one, How we thank you that you've come. Jesus, Jesus, precious one, A manger throne for God's own son. Jesus, Jesus, precious one (precious Jesus), How we thank you that you've come. Jesus, Jesus, precious one.” With thankful hearts, then, let us pledge to allow our hearts to be a throne for God's own Son each and every day. After all, in response to receiving the greatest gift we could ever receive, which is eternal life, how could our response be any different? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling what true humility is for us. Although we will never understand fully this side of heaven all that your sacrifice entailed, help us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to You in response to it. And on this day and every day, Lord, help us to be bold witnesses of what your birth, death, burial, and resurrection means for mankind. Thank You for Christmas. It’s in your precious and we pray Jesus amen. 

Happy Running!