Behold the Humility of the Incarnation

Advent draws our eyes to the Incarnation, the stunning truth that the eternal Son “emptied himself” (the historic kenosis of Philippians 2) by taking on human flesh, entering our world in a stable. This wasn’t subtraction of deity but the addition of humanity—the Creator choosing the cradle, the King choosing the cross. His pathway ran through obedience and humility, right down to death on a tree, followed by exaltation.

This “riches-to-rags” birth confronts our appetite for self-exaltation. If the Son of God could kneel to serve, then His people must shed pride and embrace Christlike humility. Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas morning; it’s our preparation for a life patterned after Jesus—quiet obedience, unseen faithfulness, and grateful dependence on the Father. In a season that often cultivates hurry, the manger calls us to cultivate gratitude and true spiritual wealth in Him.

The Supreme Son Who Upholds All Things

Yet the One in the manger is no mere moral example. He is, as Hebrews 1 proclaims, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature—the preeminent Christ who upholds the universe by the word of His power. Advent holds together two truths: the divine humility of Christ’s birth and the cosmic supremacy of Christ’s being.

That pairing changes how we face our present fears. If Jesus is both the baby in Bethlehem and the Lord of all, then our trust can be unshakable. He is worthy of our allegiance, bold in our evangelism, firm in our perseverance. He is not one option among many; He is the Way who straightens our way. Under His preeminence, our anxious hearts find ballast.

Immanuel: God With Us—Now and Forever

“They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1). Advent reassures us that the God who governs galaxies also walks with us into the grocery store and the grief, the crowded calendar and the quiet ache. Because Immanuel is here, we can say with holy confidence, the best is yet to be. Not because the culture will finally applaud our convictions, but because the Lord who came once in humility will come again in glory.

Hope isn’t wishful thinking; it’s the settled expectation that the God who promised is the God who will perform. The manger announces His with-us presence; the cross secures our salvation; the empty tomb guarantees our future. Advent gathers all three: presence, redemption, and promise.

A Sober Word: Repentance in Light of Judgment

Advent comfort must not eclipse Advent clarity. Scripture also speaks of the “second death” (Revelation 21)—a sober warning about final judgment for those who persist in unbelief. The good news of “God with us” is not an automatic blanket over a life of rebellion. The same Jesus who comes near also calls us to repentance, courage over the cowardly shrinking back, and holiness over half-hearted religion.

Advent honesty means naming our sins, confessing our misplaced trust, and fleeing to Christ. There is no contradiction between comfort and warning; both are acts of mercy. The Christ who humbled Himself now graciously commands us to humble ourselves: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4).

Turning Anxious Paths Into Straight Ways: Advent Practices

How do we live this out in December’s rush? Consider these practices as a way to acknowledge Him in all your ways and cultivate an Advent posture marked by trust, humility, and hope:

• Begin with surrender. Each morning, pray Proverbs 3:5–6. Name today’s anxieties—finances, family plans, headlines—and entrust them to the Lord who upholds all things.
• Practice quiet humility. Follow the Incarnate Christ by choosing unseen service. Do the hidden chore; let someone else shine. Let kenosis—self-emptying love—shape your calendar.
• Confess and repent quickly. Keep short accounts with God. If a pattern of unbelief or compromise surfaces, turn immediately. Repentance is not seasonal; it’s the Christian’s daily breath.
• Witness with courage. Advent offers natural openings. Share why Immanuel matters to you. Invite a neighbor to church. Offer to pray for a coworker. Let your hope interrupt someone’s hurry.
• Feast on Scripture. Read the humility of Philippians 2, the supremacy of Hebrews 1, and the presence of Matthew 1. Let God’s Word reset your metrics of success and reshape your expectations.
• Anchor your hope in Christ’s return. Keep eternity in view. The best is not behind you, nor is it guaranteed by cultural comfort. It is seated at the right hand of God.
• Learn Advent’s story. If you’re newer to the season, this concise overview is helpful: What Is Advent?

From Manger to Majesty—And Into Our Mondays

Advent announces a paradox that changes everything: the lowly manger cradled the One whose glory lights the cosmos. The Child is the Creator. The Servant is the Son. The one who emptied Himself now reigns in exaltation. Because this is true, you can trust Him with your future, walk in obedience today, and wait with hope for tomorrow.

So when anxiety spikes, remember: your steps are not random; your way is not uncharted. Acknowledge Him—in budgeting and baking, conflict and commute. The preeminent Christ is also Immanuel. He makes straight paths out of crooked hearts and crowded calendars, and He leads us—graciously, firmly—toward the final joy of seeing Him face to face.

Come, Lord Jesus.