Humility in the Incarnation: Reflecting on Christ's Birth and Our Understanding of God

The arrival of Christ into the world stands as one of the most profound mysteries of our faith. His entrance was not just a significant event in history; it was a divine act filled with humility and grace. Today, we will explore Christ’s early life, focusing on His conception and birth, to gain a deeper understanding of both God and ourselves.

In the Westminster Larger Catechism, question 47 asks, "How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?" The answer given reveals significant truths about Christ's nature: “Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fullness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.”

This contemplation is sure to enrich our minds and inspire our hearts to adopt humility as we strive to reflect Christ’s character in our daily lives.

The Eternal Word Made Flesh

John 1:14 declares, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The contrast between Christ’s eternal existence and His earthly arrival is striking. The very Word that spoke the universe into being chose to enter our world in the simplest of circumstances. Picture the God of the universe, the Creator of all, becoming a small child, entirely dependent on a young woman from a modest background. This miraculous Incarnation exemplifies the lengths God has willingly gone to connect with and redeem His creation.

Born of a Woman of Low Estate

Christ’s humble beginnings remind us of the environment in which He was born. Luke 2:7 states, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Born to Mary, a young woman deemed unremarkable by societal standards, Jesus entered a setting that lacked comfort and status. He was laid not upon silk pillows but amongst hay and animals. This stark scene leads us to reflect: If Christ can embody humility in His birth, what does that mean for our own lives?

Today, many people equate value with achievement, reputation, and status. However, the arrival of Christ and what he came to accomplish challenge us to find worthiness in vulnerability and meekness. We sing this together when we sing, "My worth is not in what I own, not in the strength of flesh and bone, but in the costly wounds of love, at the cross."

Circumstances of More than Ordinary Abasement

The humility displayed in Christ’s birth was not an isolated incident but part of a broader narrative filled with “divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.”

Consider this: At any moment, Christ could have chosen to reveal His glory differently. He could have been born into a world of wealth and power, wrapped in royal robes and surrounded by accolades. Instead, He opted for simplicity and a birth like any other. It was as common as could be in many respects.

This radical choice speaks volumes to us as believers. It challenges us to examine how we treat those who are often overlooked. Each act of service, love, and honor to the least among us reflects Christ's humility. We are even told that what we do for the least of these, is as if we have done it for Christ himself (Matt 25:40).

The Fullness of Time

Galatians 4:4 beautifully summarizes God’s timing in sending His Son: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law."

Understanding the “fullness of time” sheds light on God’s divine plan. The Incarnation was not an afterthought; it was a carefully orchestrated event where all of human history converged. Through Christ’s birth, God made His connection with humanity apparent—a critical aspect of His redemptive work. The coming of Christ was not plan B. The Lord of the Rings movie has a great quote that captures this well. Gandalf tells Frodo, "A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to."

This understanding encourages us to trust in God’s timing in our daily lives. When we desire immediate results or resolutions, Christ’s humility serves as a reminder that waiting for God’s purposes can lead to immeasurable blessings.

Reflecting Christ’s Humility in Our Lives

What does Christ’s humility mean for us today? First, His birth challenges us to redefine importance. When we realize that the Lord of all creation chose the lowest circumstances, we are called to live contrary to worldly standards.

The call to humility is not merely a suggestion; it is central to our walk with Christ. Philippians 2:3 urges us: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Engaging with this instruction requires self-reflection. Are we mirroring the humility exemplified by Christ in our relationships and actions?

A Challenge to Embrace Humility

As we reflect on the Incarnation, we draw from Christ’s attributes that must be evident in our lives. His humility guides us toward a deeper understanding of servanthood.

Throughout His life, Christ did not seek accolades but aimed to serve. When we embody this spirit, we cultivate a heart that mirrors His, fostering genuine connections within the community of believers.

Moreover, Christ's humility compels us to willingly surrender our ego. Rivalries, jealousy, and pride can easily take hold of our hearts. Yet, the humble beginnings of Christ's humanity remind us of what it truly means to live a life mimicking Him—a life rooted in love and selflessness.

A Closing Thought

In concluding our exploration of Christ’s humility in His conception and birth, we recognize a significant lesson: the manner in which Jesus entered our world sets the standard for how we should live. We are called to pursue humility in a culture that frequently prizes self-promotion.

As we grow more like Christ, our understanding of God, ourselves, and our relationships will deepen. Accept this calling not just as a reminder of Christ’s actions but as a challenge to embody His example in our daily life.

Let us adopt a mindset of humility in every aspect—be it personal ambitions, family roles, or community interactions. For in humility lies the path to true greatness in God’s Kingdom, where the last will be first, and the greatest will be the servant of all.

Soli Deo Gloria