Picture hundreds of children dressed in red velvet dresses and adorable red plaid vests running around a room in a church basement. Grownups shout out, “Quiet down! It’s time to line up!” But little boys and girls barely hear the instructions. They’re too busy comparing outfits and Christmas lists.
I can pull up that scene from my memory banks. Memories of Sunday School pageants past. Memories of excited children. Memories of
Christmas is a loud, brash holiday. “Jingle Bell Rock” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” blast our ears inside every store we visit. Twinkling lights wink at us from every house. Commercials assault our senses with pleas to buy watches and perfume and chia pets for all our nearest and dearest.
Yet, the first Christmas arrived fairly quietly. Yes, angels sang out the glory of God and announced the birth of the Savior to a few scraggly shepherds, but Mary gave birth to the King of the world in a
Christmas in our culture would rarely be described as meek or quiet. But that is exactly how Christ entered this world.
I’m reminded of this fact when I listen to the words of the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”:
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
Messiah came quietly. Meekly. Unassuming.
Jesus Came Meekly
Our culture does not applaud meekness. In fact, meekness seems to have gone out of style.
Yet, we can learn from Christ’s example of humility:
- Jesus embraced smallness. The Maker of the universe willingly became small enough to fit inside a young woman. The One who held the earth in the palm of His hand, purposefully decreased so He could walk on the earth.
- Jesus came quietly. Except for Mary and Joseph, a few shepherds, and a bunch of farm animals, no one knew that the Savior of the world had arrived. No trumpet fanfares. No worldwide news bulletins.
- Jesus relinquished His throne. He stepped down from the glory of heaven into a dark and dusty stable. He temporarily suspended His right to rule the world and submitted to the difficulties of life on earth.
Meek Souls
This brings us back to the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” One of my favorite lines is:
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in
Even though Christ’s work on earth is done and He is once again seated on the throne next to His heavenly Father, He continues to work in our lives in a quiet way. He doesn’t force Himself on anyone. His meek nature continues to wait for us to accept His invitation
What does a meek soul look like? Let’s use Christ’s example:
- A meek soul embraces smallness. If I’m meek, I don’t attempt to make myself bigger or more important. I can be content with
the smaller role. I can be content working behind the scenes. - A meek soul comes quietly. No boasting. No bragging. A meek soul doesn’t seek out acclaim.
- A meek soul relinquishes the throne. Meekness allows me to give Jesus rule over my heart. Trusting in His goodness and love, I’m not afraid to let Him reign in my life because I know His way is best.
So this Christmas, my prayer is this
Ruler of the world, thank You for giving up Your royal throne and coming to this dark and dusty world. Thank You for teaching us about meekness and quietness. This Christmas season, work Your gentle spirit in my heart that I may respond in meekness, allowing You rule my life. For I know Your loving ways, I know Your overwhelming goodness. You always know what is best. Help me to have a meek Christmas. In Your
Next step: Listen to the words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Rejoice that the King of kings was willing to step down from the splendor of heaven into our messy lives.
This post is part of my series inspired by the words of Christmas carols. You may also want to read a post about “What Child is This” and “O Holy Night.”
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Embracing smallness might need to be an idea I post-it note to my computer. Thank you for this message, Sharla!
Heidi, Thank you for your encouraging words! I think I will also use your post-it idea. Merry Christmas!
Thank you kindly for your eye opening message. You’ve just made me realize that I need a whole dose of meekness in my life.
Maria, I think all of us can use more meekness! Blessings on your celebration of the Savior’s birth!