1 Corinthians 1:28 (ESV)
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even
things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” paints the picture of a
sleepy, unassuming town that serves as the setting for the unprecedented act of
God entering the world as a human being. There were no doubt many people living
in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth who had no realization that a young
woman was having a baby that night, or if they had known, would have given much
more than a second thought to the topic.
Although we look back on Christ’s birth as an indescribably
important moment in all of known history, for the actual people living in
Bethlehem at the time, most were probably completely unaware of what had taken
place. Although this might seem odd to us, who have celebrated Christmas every
year of our lives, the first Christmas was most likely a day just like any
other for the vast majority of the people living in proximity to Christ’s
birth.
And yet Bethlehem, “above thy deep and dreamless sleep” is
very much the kind of setting where the Gospel takes place. Not with resounding
ovation, but in quiet, simple, even normal actions.
Jesus spent much of his ministry searching for the perfect
metaphor for his Kingdom. He often described it as being like seeds planted in
the ground (Mark 4:30-34), a buried treasure, or a single, perfect pearl
(Matthew 13:44-46).
These are common things, small things, hidden things, but
are very valuable and important.
In the same way, that many people didn’t notice the birth
of Jesus, the vast majority of our thoughts, prayer and actions made in the
advancement of God’s Kingdom will be unnoticed. Few will see the gentle
compassion we show to hurting friend, or the silent prayers offered about a
distressed stranger we observe, or the encouragement we share with another
struggling to make their own impact for good in this world.
That’s why Paul writes, in 1 Corinthians 1:28, “God chose
the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are
not—to nullify the things that are.”
God could have heralded the entrance of his Son into this
world with a band of horns and angelic figures witnessed by the entire globe.
Instead, only a few shepherds were audience to the angel’s invitation.
The simplicity and humility of Christ’s birth is in and of
itself an example of how God works in our world frequently – through the
simple, mundane and normal – and yet what makes those things extraordinary is
the presence of God with us.
God with us makes everything infinitely important and
divinely blessed.
I pray that you might take a look at the small, even
seemingly boring, places where God is working and moving. Do you recognize his
movement around you? Are you open to the passing of God’s hand among you, even
while many others may not notice?
Where is it that God is working in your life? Stop and
reflect on the often missed movements of God. Ask God to bring forth how He has
been quietly working in your life. Ask God for better eyes to see his
unbelievable movement in your life and the world.
Dear Lord, thank You for always working in this world, even
though we often do not realize it. You are so good to us. Help us to recognize You
more, hear You clearer and see You better. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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