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Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. Before we get right into today’s passage, I’d like to share my personal story with you about Jesus and Christmas. It’s kind of a funny story. I went to the United States on September 28, 2001. I had two reasons for going to the United States. The first reason for going there was to get married. The second reason for that was to attend seminary, and receive missionary training.
One day, I visited the office of North Park Seminary in Chicago to submit my application. I remember that Christmas was just around the corner. The staff member looked at my application and suddenly started laughing. Then she asked me, “When is your birthday?” “My birthday? It’s on Christmas,” I answered. “Really? The same birthday as Jesus! Do you have an English name?” “Yes, my English name is Joshua.” “Are you serious? Did you know that Jesus and Joshua have the same meaning?” “Yes, I know. They both mean ‘God saves.’” “Then… What does your father do? What is your father’s job?” “My father passed away, but when he was alive, he was a carpenter.” “What? Are you serious? Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus was a carpenter too. You must be kidding!” “No, I’m not. It’s true.” “Then… What is your mother’s name? Mary?” “No, she is not Mary. Her name is Okja.” “Phew! That’s a relief. For a moment, I thought you might be the real Jesus! I’m glad you’re not.”
Brothers and sisters, don’t worry I’m not the real Jesus. I’m not the Antichrist, either. But I am trying to become more like Jesus in my daily life. I’m trying to live like a “little Jesus” every day. In that sense, I think I’m a little Jesus. And I believe that each one of us is a little Jesus! In other words, we are followers of Jesus Christ! Amen!
Today, we as followers of Jesus, are not only celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, but also remembering the amazing truth that Jesus, the Son of God, came into this world as a humble servant. Philippians 2:7 says, “Jesus made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…” What is a servant? A servant is someone who takes the lowest place and thinks of others first. Back in Jesus’ time, servants were very common.
They did everyday work like cleaning, cooking, and taking care of children. Some worked in the fields, planting and harvesting crops. Servants had little power and were often the lowest people in society. But Jesus talked about servants in a different way. He lived like a servant Himself and even washed His disciples’ feet. Jesus taught that in God’s kingdom, greatness is not about power, but about loving others, serving others, and putting others first.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” In fact, Jesus did not come to be served. He did not come to be praised by people, or live a comfortable life. You know what? He came to serve.
Let us take a look at where Jesus was born. Even though Jesus is the King of kings, He was not born in a palace. Even though He is the Owner of the universe, the richest being, He was not born in a nice hotel. Even though He is the Great Physician, He was not born in a hospital. He was not even born in a clean room. Instead, Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, a place where animals ate their food.
Once again, Jesus is the King of kings. And yet He did not come to this world as the son of a king. Jesus came as the son of a carpenter—actually, He grew up working as a carpenter Himself. Jesus chose that kind of life. Why did He do that? Because Jesus wanted to show us, not just tell us, that true greatness is found in serving. The world says, “To be successful, you must be higher.” But Jesus says, “When you humble yourself, you become truly strong.” When we are weak, then we are strong.
At home, at school, at church, and at work, we often want to be noticed and seen as important. But people who follow Jesus choose to be faithful in small things and help others shine. Rather, humility does not make us smaller. It makes God greater through us. Just like Jesus who came as a carpenter, I pray that we would show Jesus to others through humility in our daily lives.
Philippians 2:5 says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Christmas is not only about celebrating the birth of our Savior. It is also about deciding to live with the heart of Jesus. How can we follow His humility?
First of all, in humility, let us value others above ourselves. If possible, let us try to look at the needs of others before your own.
Secondly, let us share what we have. Jesus gave up His heavenly privileges.
We can share our time, our gifts, and our hearts with others.
Thirdly, let us obey God. Humility means trusting God more than ourselves. Sometimes God’s way is different from what we want, but following Him is true humility.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us choose to follow His example. Let us ask God to give us the humility of Jesus in our daily lives. May this Christmas be a time when Jesus is born again in your hearts, and may God bless you as you walk in His humility. Merry Christmas! Glory to Jesus, our humble King.
Let us pray.
Father God, help us look at Jesus, the Son of God who came as a humble servant. Help us to serve, not to be served. Father God, we all know that the greatest person is the one who serves. Father God, help us to humble ourselves in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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