A Humble Heart at Christmas

The Humility of the Son of God

As Christmas draws near, we will start to see the creche appear in our churches and homes. In some places, the manger stays empty until the baby Jesus is placed in it on Christmas Eve. Before the creche, we have the opportunity to adore the Infant King, and the virtue of humility shines with the Bethlehem star. 

First, we see the humility with which the Son of God assumed human nature by becoming man (CCC 461)—as discussed last week, He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians: “Though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). 

The Overwhelming Reality of God’s Love

The reality and truth of God’s love for us is overwhelming. If you have time in the next week, I encourage you to read paragraphs 456-510 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You will understand more deeply the gift from God, His son, Jesus Christ this Christmas.  

How does this reality affect us and our living the virtue of humility? What is the gift God desires from us? Of course, our natural response is love. But is it a gift wrapped in humility? You might ask, “What is a gift wrapped in humility?” We must understand what the “wrapping paper” looks like and sounds like. Humility is grounded in truth and awareness that all our gifts come from God. It is the ability to acknowledge and recognize one’s strengths and weaknesses honestly. It is the foundation of prayer and self-knowledge (CCC 2559). 

Surrendering Our Sins

So, what is the gift that each of us can offer to the Infant King this Christmas? It is the gift which corresponds to the reason He became man (CCC 457), to reconcile us with God “by taking away our sins.” He can only forgive the sins we recognize in ourselves and freely give to Him. This is why we desperately need the virtue of humility, because pride, shame, guilt, and all the other lies from the “father of lies” warp and bind us. God has come so close to us and wants us to recognize what prevents us from living in freedom. Yes, it is hard to see our sins and to start unwrapping the false self we have created in our minds. Don’t let this prevent you from giving the Infant King your sins and weaknesses. In truth, this is all He wants from and for you. Why? Because the more you are free, the more fully alive you truly are. “The glory of God is the human being fully alive; the life of man consists in beholding God” (St. Irenaeus). 

This Christmas, humbly draw near to the light of the Bethlehem star and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the sins you can confess and give to the Infant King. While this might seem contrary to the season’s cheer, it is the path to knowing true peace and happiness.