Born In Humility

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

December 25, 2020

in Spritual Growth

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December 25, 2020
Feast of the Nativity (Christmas)
Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines
December 25, 2020

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7
Titus 2: 11-14
Luke 2: 1-14

We have listened week by week in Advent to wait for this day to come, for us to light Christ’s candle, which represents His love and life for us. In the Collect today, it says that in God, there is no darkness at all. He has given us radiance. He provides for us His greatness in fullness.

The prophecy of Isaiah states that: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” This means that in the midst of the darkest moments of our lives, God’s love will conquer and His light will break through the darkness and cause each of us to shine. This is the great Hope. Christmas day is one of the most powerful events in all of Christendom. God intends for us a life of peace and hope. We need not allow oppression to dominate our lives.
The government will rest upon His shoulder. The titles, summed up in His name have been given to Him; Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Along with this He has been given the ability to fulfill these titles. There will be no end in the increase of His government. The Zeal of the Lord will accomplish this.

There is a story in the gospel during the time of Caesar Augustus that a census ordered by him required every citizen to return to their homes. For Mary and Joseph, this was a long journey to Bethlehem. And when they had arrived there was no room at the Inn. So they had to use the manger where animals were kept. Look at the humility of Chris’s birth in a lowly manger. Why didn’t God prepare a nice comfortable mansion for the Child to be born? He wanted to show us the humility of Christ. The Great One who was going to change mankind, born so simply and wrapped in swaddling clothes. There was no fanfare, no professional musicians or orchestra to provide the music. But God sent an even greater host – the angels were sent to sing praises to the Lord. God also chose the humble, lowly shepherds to be the ones who heard the music. He did not choose arrogant people who did not want to hear or listen to God’s word. The ones who think themselves more highly than others.

Christ would bring life into the world. It is now therefore our responsibility to be His instrument to bring forth this life to the world. Mary was one great example of humility who heeded His call to be the instrument to bring forth this life. Christmas isn’t all about gifts and parties but is a time for us to return to its original purpose and intention. God will cause all things to turn to good if only we will obey Him. The principles of Advent bring us to this point. His birth is the foundation of all. The summation of the seasons in the church calendar is marked because of Christmas.

Titus 2:11 -12 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” So we are instructed to live godly lives. This is to be our lifestyle. We are to be zealous for good deeds. Doing things for others. We lack in nothing to be able to fulfill these things. Christ’s going to the Father is a confirmation that God has approved all that He has done. In whatever situation we find ourselves in, Christ will change that to good. We should sing songs of Christmas. Songs about Christ and what He has done.

God will never fail us. He loves us and has given us new life. This is what Christmas is about. We should not focus on the problems but on the Answer. May His joy fill us with peace and confidence this Christmas. Glory to God in the highest.