Pastor Rusty Milton
"The Humility of the Manger"
Luke 2:8-14 ESV

When God sent the Savior of man to earth to be born in a feed trough, he showed contempt for the pride of man. The whole framework of the gospel is designed to bring us to an end of our pride, and it starts with Christ born in a manger. Pride often wants to humble people by showing its greatness, and the smallness of others. Humility comes from seeing our smallness and seeing the greatness of God. Beyond this, however, we must also see and feel the beauty of God. The story of the manager tells us how much God loves us--to sacrifice all to draw us to salvation. If you are a disciple, you must also walk in humility. How do we grow in humility? First, understand humility not as thinking lowly and negatively of ourselves. These are a road to pride because they focus on self. True humility is about being consumed with God's sufficiency: daily bowing before the throne of Grace as those washed of our sins in the blood of the Lamb. As we bow before the All-Sovereign God, the Spirit works repentance, trust, and humility in our lives because it brings us closer to God. 

Luke 2:8–12
English Standard Version

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord xappeared to them, and ythe glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all zthe people. 11 For aunto you is born this day in bthe city of David ca Savior, who is dChrist ethe Lord. 12 And fthis will be a sign for you: you will find a baby gwrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel ha multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 14  “Glory to God jin the highest, and on earth peace lamong those with whom he is pleased!”