Servant

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.” Isaiah 52:13

The birth of Jesus is unlike any other birth in human history. God, in the flesh, came to dwell with us. However, He did not come as a forceful ruler with His sword drawn but as a humble servant with his arms open wide.

Jesus was born in the lowest of places and in the lowest stature: a baby born in a manger. The manger, a feeding trough for barn animals, was the initial resting place of the Messiah. His parents were not royalty nor were they successful in the eyes of society; instead Joseph was a humble carpenter and his soon-to-be wife. Jesus Himself did not come into the world as someone of high placement or esteem.

This entrance of Jesus into the world was the complete opposite expected of Him from the world. The world expected a conquering ruler – one who would overrule the Roman Empire and vanquish all who opposed Him. Instead, Christ came as a humble Savior – the only one who could save sinners from death through his mercy, love, and grace. The life He loved while on earth was not a life full of conquest but of consecration. He was a servant first to His Father. Not only did Christ live humbly but He lived a life full of serving the least of these. Even greater than the giving of gold and silver, Jesus gave himself and ultimately his life.

Though He gave His life, Jesus did not stay in the grave. He burst forth in glory three days later and declared sin and death defeated through His victory. And even here His service continued — He enables sinners to receive grace at the foot of the cross. The work is done – Christ has overcome! 

Both the life and death of Jesus were rooted in His servant-hearted nature. He did not count equality with God, though in the form of God; He emptied Himself. His arrival on earth came not in the mighty form of God but in the humble form of a baby. His humility led him to the cross to save all those who call upon His name.

As we venture through this season of celebration, we can cry out to the Messiah, knowing He hears us and has given Himself for us. As we celebrate His birth, so too can we celebrate our new birth and our new purpose to give of ourselves to God and to others as Christ gave of Himself. Our joy is made complete as we reflect on and celebrate the birth of Jesus, knowing how He was a Servant of the divine plan and good news of our salvation by grace.