His Birth and Our New Birth: A Christmas Reflection
The beauty of Christmas is more than the lights, the carols, or even the manger scene—it’s the reminder of the miraculous: God with us. In today’s reflection from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers leads us to ponder the significance of Jesus’ birth in history and His birth within us.
His Birth in History
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23).
The birth of Jesus wasn’t merely another event in history—it was a divine intrusion. As Chambers points out, Jesus didn’t evolve out of humanity or ascend to divinity. He came from outside, entering human history as the eternal Son of God wrapped in frail flesh.
This truth humbles me. The King of kings chose the lowliest door—a manger—to make His entrance. He didn’t come to impress or dominate but to dwell among us, to experience our struggles, and to redeem us. What a profound gift: God stepping into the brokenness of our world to bring hope.
When I think of this, I’m reminded of how easy it is to view Jesus as a figure of the past or a distant God. But His incarnation—His "God with us"—wasn’t meant to remain a historical fact. It’s an invitation to relationship.
His Birth in Me
Just as Jesus’ birth came from the outside into humanity, so must His life come into each of us. Jesus declared, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).
I used to read those words as a command, something I needed to do. But as Chambers emphasizes, it’s a statement of reality. Without this new birth, there is no entrance into God’s kingdom. And this birth isn’t achieved through effort or religious rituals—it’s received as we yield ourselves fully to Him.
Paul’s words in Galatians 4:19 resonate deeply: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” To me, this speaks of an ongoing process. The moment I received Christ, His life entered me. But as I yield daily to Him, His nature is formed more and more within me.
This is what makes the Christian life more than a belief system—it’s Christ living His life in and through us. His love, His peace, and His power transform us from the inside out.
A Bethlehem in Our Hearts
Chambers asks, “Have I allowed my personal life to become a Bethlehem for the Son of God?”
This question stopped me in my tracks. Bethlehem was small, humble, and seemingly insignificant. Yet it became the birthplace of the Savior.
Am I willing to let my life, small and unassuming as it may seem, become a dwelling place for Christ? Am I willing to yield my plans, my fears, and my pride to let Him reign?
A Christmas Challenge
As we celebrate today, let’s remember that the story of Christmas doesn’t end in the manger. It continues in us. Here are a few reflections to carry with you:
Celebrate His Arrival: Take time to reflect on the miracle of Jesus’ birth—God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise.
Yield Daily: Make room for Him, not just during the holidays but every day. Let His nature be formed in you.
Be a Bethlehem: Invite Him to make your heart His dwelling place, trusting that He will work through you to bring His love to the world.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, the eternal King, to dwell among us. Thank You for the miracle of Christ’s birth in history and His birth within our hearts. May we yield to You fully, allowing Jesus to be formed in us. Let our lives reflect His light and love, pointing others to the hope found in Him. In His name, Amen.
Merry Christmas!
As we celebrate the Savior’s birth, may His life within you bring peace, joy, and hope—not just for today, but for every day to come.
Let’s carry the light of His presence into the world this Christmas season and beyond. How has Christ’s life transformed yours? Let’s share and celebrate this gift together.