The Son of God, the Savior of all mankind, was not born in a palace, but in a stable. He was born in the usual way, and slept in a feed trough. Angels announced His birth to the nearby shepherds, singing “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to all men”. The shepherds felt compelled to go to Bethlehem and search for Him. A star led wise men from the east to the place where they could worship Him—a long journey, indeed.
It’s a preposterous story. Who could possibly believe it? Except maybe a child—or someone with the heart of a child. It’s a humble story. A story meant for people with humble hearts.
Luke 18:17 says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Have you ever wished for the heart of a child? To see things as your child sees them—simply and at face value? They see everything through an unfiltered lens—untainted by the world’s idea of how things should be. As we grow up, we add layers of information that cloud the truth—gained through experiences or taught by those we consider to be experts. Before long, we begin to question everything.
In Jesus’ day, there were not many professions more lowly or humble than that of a shepherd. It was just them and the sheep. There was no one to tell them what they should think about a band of angels announcing the birth of God’s Son. They saw and they believed. That is why God chose them to receive The Good News:
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12
So what about the wise men? They were educated men who studied the stars. How fitting that God used a star to guide them. Did they question if the star was really a sign from God? Apparently not. God used them to show that even wise people can believe as children. There is a difference between being wise and being “wise in your own eyes”. 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 says this:
“God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.”
Of course, the Christmas Story is just one of many INCREDIBLE stories found in the Bible. That does not mean they aren’t true. God is looking for child-like, humble hearts who will take Him at His word. He offers us abundant life—joy in place of despair, comfort for the broken-hearted, healing for your soul, and peace no matter what your circumstances. My prayer for you, this Christmas, is that you will see with the eyes of a child and believe with the heart of a child.
