Day 1: The Birth of Jesus
Embracing Humility and God’s Plan
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20
"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." (Luke 2:6-7, NLT)
Reflection: The Humility of Christ’s Birth
The journey begins with the extraordinary story of Jesus’ birth—a moment that changed the course of history forever. In the humblest of settings, the King of Kings entered the world not with royal fanfare but in a stable, laid in a manger. His birth was announced not to the wealthy or powerful but to shepherds, ordinary workers who were among the least esteemed in society.
This is the paradox of God’s greatness: He chose to come to us in the most humble way possible, teaching us that true greatness lies not in wealth, power, or status but in humility, simplicity, and surrender to God’s will.
Jesus’ birth reveals the character of God—a God who is with us in the ordinary, who meets us in our need, and who values every soul, no matter how overlooked by the world.
Personal Reflection:
I’ve often thought about how unexpected and even frustrating it must have been for Mary and Joseph to find no room at the inn. As a father myself, I’ve had moments where I felt like my plans for my family fell short—like I hadn’t provided the “perfect” solution. But when I consider the nativity scene, I’m reminded that God’s idea of perfection often looks very different from ours. A manger became the throne of the Savior of the world. It’s a beautiful reminder to trust that God’s plan, even when it’s not what we envisioned, is always perfect.
Application: Living with Humility and Trust in God’s Plan
As Catholics, the humility of Jesus’ birth calls us to examine our own lives. Do we value humility as Jesus did? Are we willing to trust God’s plan, even when it looks different from what we expected?
Embrace Humility in Daily Life: Look for opportunities to practice humility today. Perhaps this means letting go of pride in an argument, serving someone in need without seeking recognition, or simply thanking God for the blessings you often take for granted.
Trust in God’s Plan: Mary and Joseph likely didn’t envision giving birth in a stable, but they trusted God’s plan. When life doesn’t go as planned, reflect on their example. Surrender your worries to God and trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Be Present to the Ordinary: Just as the shepherds were chosen to witness the miracle of Christ’s birth, God meets us in the ordinary moments of life. Pay attention to how God is working in the small, everyday moments, and offer them to Him as a gift.
Action Step:
Today, choose one act of humility to reflect Christ’s example. It could be serving someone in need, being patient in a frustrating situation, or offering a kind word to someone who is struggling. As you do, thank God for the opportunity to live out the humility of Jesus.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into the world in such humility and love. Help me to imitate His example by living with humility and trusting in Your plan for my life. Open my eyes to see Your presence in the ordinary moments and give me a heart that rejoices in Your goodness. Amen.