CHRISTMAS: THE KING WHO CAME IN HUMILITY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 2:1-20
Key Verse:
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Supporting Texts: Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-8; Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53:2-3; 2 Corinthians 8:9
Description:
Christmas reveals a King who chose humility over honour in order to redeem humanity.
INTRODUCTION:
Christmas is not merely the celebration of a birth; it is the unveiling of God’s surprising method of salvation. Contrary to human expectations, the long-awaited Messiah did not arrive with earthly splendour, royal palaces, or political power. Instead, He came quietly, humbly, and gently into a broken world.
The humility of Christ confronts human pride and redefines greatness. While the world celebrates power, status, and display, heaven introduced its King through simplicity, sacrifice, and surrender. This divine approach shows that God’s ways are higher than human reasoning.
Understanding the humility of Christ at Christmas helps believers embrace the values of the Kingdom of God. It teaches us that true power flows from obedience, true greatness flows from service, and lasting impact flows from humility before God.
1. THE KING WAS BORN IN HUMBLE SURROUNDINGS
Jesus’ birthplace reveals God’s intentional choice of humility over earthly recognition. His arrival in a manger demonstrates that divine purpose is not dependent on human prestige or comfort.
a) Born in a manger, not a palace (Luke 2:7) – The manger symbolises rejection by the world but acceptance by God, teaching that divine glory can dwell in unlikely places.
b) No room in the inn (Luke 2:7) – Human systems had no space for the Saviour, revealing how pride and busyness often shut out divine visitation.
c) Surrounded by animals, not royalty (Isaiah 1:3) – Creation recognised Him even when humanity failed to, emphasising His meek entrance into the world.
d) Announced to shepherds, not nobles (Luke 2:8-11) – God revealed His Son first to the lowly, showing that grace reaches the humble before the proud.
Biblical Example:
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, illustrates God’s deliberate rejection of worldly pomp in favour of redemptive humility (Luke 2:15-16).
2. THE KING LIVED A LIFE OF HUMBLE SERVICE
Christ’s humility was not limited to His birth; it defined His entire earthly ministry. He chose service over status and obedience over applause.
a) He came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28) – Jesus modelled leadership through sacrificial service rather than domination.
b) He associated with the poor and rejected (Luke 5:29-32) – His humility broke social barriers and restored dignity to the broken.
c) He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5) – The King demonstrated that true greatness lies in humble acts of love.
d) He taught meekness as strength (Matthew 11:29) – Jesus revealed that humility produces rest, peace, and spiritual authority.
Biblical Example:
Jesus washing the disciples’ feet shows the humility of a King who leads by example, redefining leadership in the Kingdom of God (John 13:12-15).
3. THE KING HUMBLED HIMSELF UNTO DEATH
The humility of Christ reached its ultimate expression at the cross. His willingness to suffer and die displays the depth of God’s love for humanity.
a) He emptied Himself of divine privilege (Philippians 2:5-7) – Jesus willingly laid aside heavenly glory to fulfil redemption.
b) He embraced obedience even unto death (Philippians 2:8) – His submission to the Father’s will secured salvation for mankind.
c) He endured shame for our sake (Hebrews 12:2) – The cross reveals humility that triumphs over disgrace and suffering.
d) He bore our poverty and pain (2 Corinthians 8:9) – Christ’s humility brought spiritual riches to humanity.
Biblical Example:
Jesus’ crucifixion demonstrates the humility of a King who chose suffering over self-preservation to accomplish God’s redemptive plan (Isaiah 53:5).
4. THE HUMBLE KING WAS EXALTED BY GOD
Humility did not end in defeat; it resulted in divine exaltation. God honoured the obedience and meekness of His Son.
a) God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:9) – Divine exaltation followed Christ’s voluntary humiliation.
b) Every knee shall bow to Him (Philippians 2:10-11) – The humble King is now universally acknowledged as Lord.
c) His Kingdom is everlasting (Daniel 7:14) – Unlike earthly kings, His reign is eternal and unshakeable.
d) He reigns with grace and righteousness (Hebrews 1:8) – His authority is rooted in humility and love, not oppression.
Biblical Example:
The resurrection and ascension of Jesus reveal that humility is God’s pathway to glory and eternal dominion (Acts 2:32-36).
CONCLUSION:
Christmas reminds us that God’s greatest gift came wrapped in humility. The King who came in meekness redefined power, leadership, and victory. His life teaches believers that humility is not weakness but divine strength expressed through obedience and love.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to reflect the humility of Christ in our lives. When we walk in submission to God, serve others sincerely, and embrace God’s will above personal ambition, we align ourselves with the values of the Kingdom and experience lasting impact.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, clothe my heart with the humility of Christ in every area of my life.
2. Lord, remove every form of pride that hinders Your work in me.
3. Help me to value obedience above recognition and applause.
4. Teach me to serve others with sincerity and love.
5. Let the humility of Christ shape my character and decisions.
6. Deliver me from self-exaltation and dependency on human approval.
7. Empower me to follow Christ’s example of meekness and submission.
8. Let my life reflect the values of Your Kingdom.
9. Grant me grace to walk in humility even in seasons of honour.
10. Through humility, lead me into divine exaltation according to Your will.
