And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…
Luke 2:8-9a
I've often been smitten by the way Jesus came into the world. He came in such a humbling and lowly posture. People have tried to describe just how lowly it was to be born in a manger. It's hard to fathom Mary and Joseph giving birth in the place the animals eat and lay. I'm not a farm girl, but I am a mom, and I know what giving birth near poop may have smelled like!
Think about Heaven for one moment: on the edge of their seats, so to speak, beyond excited about the Messiah taking His first breath. Even the fact that He made His home in the womb of a young girl is mesmerizing! So, as the angels knew, He was making His way, and hearing His first cry-what a day that must have been! In fact, it's recorded that for this precious moment, the angels did come, announcing His birth in an unexpected way!
Luke 2:10-12
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’.”
What Heaven was celebrating in full force, the earth was trying to catch up to understand. As mamas, our call can feel like this often. We know what Scripture says about our importance, but the world is screaming its insignificance. In fact, the world has become downright hostile to the nuclear family as a whole, doing its best to discredit it and reduce its noteworthiness to zero.
The day Jesus was born was one of the most beautiful days our Earth has seen, but it came in a very different package than expected. He came low. He lived low. In our current version of social media significance, His life most days was probably not “post- worthy." However, His identity at His entrance and throughout his lifetime didn’t come from anything but His Father in Heaven. Mamas, neither should ours.
When we are doing motherhood well, most of our days may seem mundane. Many are humble, selfless, and downright hard. Ask Mary if her labor and delivery room was anything like she pictured to birth the Son of God! However, there is something absolutely redeeming in knowing the kingdom of God is opposite of the world.
Luke 22:26-27
“But you are not to be like that. Instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
He came low. He lived low. He died low. But He was raised in glory.
As mamas, we have one of the most important yet humbling positions. All of Heaven rejoices over us, while the world is truly still trying to catch up to how vital our role actually is.
But the Father says you are loved. You are important. Every act of love and selflessness is imparting the very kingdom of God into His children. While all of Heaven watches and cheers, you are raising children who will follow Him. As an adventure-loving mama, the package of everyday motherhood can be hard for me to swallow. But I recognize that He chose to come low. To live low. And to believe what was true. Low didnt mean insignificant. Just as the angels came in absolute celebration to the shepherds, so Heaven celebrates you as you choose to mama in the good and the hard, over and over again.
Your fellow Able Mom,
Monica
God, I thank You for teaching us that being low is the best place to be in the Kingdom. Thank you for coming low as an example to us. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek of Heaven’s response as the most sacred gift came in the most humbling of ways. Teach us the values of your Kingdom, that we may lead and love with the right perspective. We love you!
In Jesus name, Amen
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