If you haven’t read Part 1 do so now.

A Lowly Beginning – Flipping the Script on Expectations

Introduction: Why the Stable?

Have you ever wondered why the King of Kings was born in a stable? If God could have orchestrated the birth of Jesus any way He wanted, why did He choose such a humble and lowly beginning? From the perspective of human logic, it would make more sense for Jesus—the Savior of the world—to arrive in grandeur. A palace, or at least a reputable inn, seems more fitting than a barn with animals and a feeding trough. But God had something important to teach us through that stable birth—a truth that challenges our expectations.

A Kingdom Unlike Any Other

In our world, success is often measured by what we accumulate—wealth, status, and influence. The Jewish people in Jesus’s day shared similar expectations. They longed for a Messiah who would come with power and political authority, someone who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel. They expected a Savior who would arrive in prominence, not in obscurity.

But God flipped the script. Instead of being born in a palace, Jesus came into the world in a lowly manger. As Philippians 2:6-8 says: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”

Through this humble beginning, God sends a powerful message: Greatness isn’t about status or power. God’s kingdom isn’t built on wealth, influence, or status—it’s built on love, humility, and relationship.

Success in God’s Eyes

Jesus’s lowly birth challenges us to reconsider our ideas of success. In the world’s eyes, success means climbing the ladder, gaining recognition, and accumulating things. But God’s way is different. James 2:5-8 reminds us that God has “chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him.” His kingdom values the humble, the servant-hearted, and those who recognize their need for Him.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush, focusing on gifts, decorations, and social gatherings. But Christmas isn’t about what we have; it’s about who we have. Jesus came to remind us that life is not defined by our possessions or status—it’s defined by the relationships we cultivate, especially our relationship with Him.

Reflection Moment: Are You Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success?

This Christmas season, it’s a good time to pause and reflect: Are we chasing the kind of success the world offers, or are we pursuing what really matters? Are we trying to climb ladders that God never asked us to climb? Have we placed more importance on material things than on loving others and being present with God?

True Greatness Lies in Humility

Jesus’s birth in a manger teaches us that God’s definition of greatness is very different from ours. Success in His kingdom is not about status, wealth, or achievement—it’s about humility, love, and relationship.

As we continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can give isn’t something wrapped under the tree. It’s the gift of our time, attention, and love for those around us.

Your Weekly Challenge:

This week, find someone in your life who may be overlooked or feeling left out. Make a small but intentional gesture to show them that they matter. In doing so, you’ll reflect the love of Jesus, who came not with grandeur but with grace.

Coming Next Week: The Gift of Presence – A Relationship, Not a Ritual

In the final part of this series, we’ll explore how Jesus’s birth isn’t just a historical event—it’s an invitation into relationship with Him. Stay tuned as we discover how the nativity story points us to the heart of Christmas.