And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”   Luke 2:7-12 ESV

What words come to mind when you ponder that first Christmas?  We may think things like “miraculous,” “surprising,” “glorious” ……  The thing that keeps coming to my mind this year is “humble.” 
An obscure young woman was chosen to carry the Savior of the world. The first birth announcement was proclaimed to young girls and boys who were given the menial task of watching the smelly sheep.  The place of birth was not a palace, but a place for animals. The Divine wrapped in human flesh.  On this Holy night let us bow before Him in humble adoration.

Father God,

Thank you for being a Savior for all people.  We come to You today to sit at Your feet and marvel at Your glory and grace.   Thank you that in Your kingdom, no one is unnoticed or obscure.  Thank you for using us to serve You even in our weakness.  We want to humbly relinquish our will to be in alignment with Your perfect will.   We praise You for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

We love You, Lord.  Amen